Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a neurological condition with bran network dysregulation involving the visual pathway. This is a research trial comparing the effect of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention via a group-learning course, the MBCT-vision programme, to treat Visual Snow Syndrome, compared to people on a standard care (wait-list control). Participants will be randomly allocated to either the Treatment group (MBCT-vision), or the Control group (wait-list control). After a waiting period, people allocated to the Control group will also be offered the MBCT-vision treatment. The primary outcome is to compare the severity of the visual symptoms on a 0 to 10 scale between the two groups.
Who can participate
Age range
16 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* People with VSS according to the ICHD-3 criteria; previously diagnosed by a Neurologist, Ophthalmologist or Neuro-Ophthalmologist
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with co-morbid conditions affecting vision
* Patients with a current severe depressive or psychotic episode as determined by the psychologist
* Patients with severe difficulties in emotional regulation as determined by the psychologist
* Patients unable to provide informed consent for participation
* Patients with insufficient understanding of spoken English (due to need to participate in group discussions)
* Patients who have previously completed MBCT or similar mindfulness interventions
* Persons aged \<16 or \>80 years
An exploratory sub-study on the change in metabolomics will recruit healthy controls, inclusion criteria:
Healthy Control Inclusion Criteria
* Family or household member of a similar age (+/- 8years) to a participant with VSS recruited into the MBCT-vision VSS RCT study
* Person with no symptoms of VSS
* Person who self-declares as fit and well with no current medical conditions including anxiety or migraine
Healthy Control Exclusion Criteria
* Person unable to provide informed consent
* Person with other co-morbid medical or psychological conditions
* Person aged \<16 or \>80years
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Severity of visual symptoms of Visual Snow Syndrome on a 0-10 VAS