Researchers from the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI), including Dr. Francesca Puledda, Dr. Peter Goadsby, and Dr. Christoph Schankin, presented their groundbreaking insights on Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) at the 2025 International Headache Congress (IHC) in São Paulo, Brazil.
Hosted by the International Headache Society (IHS), the congress brought together leading experts from around the world. VSI’s global research team educated the medical community on VSS, shared their latest VSI-supported research findings, and emphasized the importance of continued exploration of this condition.
Advancing the Science of VSS
Dr. Francesca Puledda is a Consultant Neurologist and Headache Specialist at King’s College London, where she serves as a Senior Clinical Research Fellow with the Headache Group at the Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre. She delivered her presentation titled “Current Understanding of Visual Snow Syndrome”.
Dr. Puledda, who recently received the IHS Headache Science Mid-Career Scientist Award, led two sessions focused on VSS. She presented research on advanced imaging techniques, including the REACT (Receptor-Enriched Analysis of Functional Connectivity by Targets) approach. REACT allows researchers to combine brain scans with detailed maps of neurotransmitter systems.
By aligning brain activity with the distribution of receptors such as serotonin and dopamine, scientists can identify subtle differences in how brain networks function in people with VSS. This promising method is helping uncover potential biomarkers for the condition, which could one day guide both diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Puledda also highlighted ongoing neurophysiology studies, including work by her collaborator Viviana Santoro, PhD candidate at King’s College London, who is advancing research through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Electroencephalography (EEG), and other methodologies. These projects are deepening scientific understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying VSS and contributing to the search for effective therapeutic approaches.
Spreading Education & Clarifying Misconceptions
World-renowned experts Dr. Peter Goadsby and Dr. Christoph Schankin added to the dialogue with a debate-style session examining whether VSS should be classified as a form of migraine. Both emphasized that VSS is a distinct neurological disorder, not a migraine subtype.
Their engaging discussion challenged misconceptions, dispelled outdated myths, and reinforced the need for accurate scientific education about the condition.
Reflecting on the progress made over the years, Dr. Goadsby noted that in the early days of VSS research, many in the medical community doubted the condition even existed. Today, thanks to patient advocacy, collaboration, and greater awareness, recognition of VSS has grown significantly worldwide compared to previous years.
VSI’s Ongoing Efforts
The Visual Snow Initiative emphasized that while tremendous progress has been made, raising awareness, advancing research, and improving education remain essential. Ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure better diagnosis, care, and quality of life for people of all ages affected by VSS.
VSI expressed deep gratitude to the patient advocates, collaborative researchers, and clinicians working with their team to make meaningful progress in understanding and treating Visual Snow Syndrome. Their shared dedication continues to drive forward VSI’s mission: to support global research, educate the medical community, spread awareness, and develop resources that can help improve the lives of those impacted by Visual Snow Syndrome
