Amber Cote, a McGill University student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience, recently presented her research on Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) at the Bridging Gaps: Patient-Oriented Neuroscience Research Symposium 2025.
The symposium brought together researchers and individuals affected by rare or underrecognized neurological conditions and featured poster sessions and a panel discussion on patient partnerships, rare disorders, and healthcare accessibility.
Amber’s poster was based on an undergraduate project conducted with Dr. Alex Baldwin, assistant professor at McGill University and collaborator with the Visual Snow Initiative. Their research investigates the neurological mechanisms underlying Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), focusing on elevated neural noise, which is background brain activity that can interfere with perception, as a potential cause of the condition.
The study compares healthy participants, individuals with migraines, individuals with VSS, and those with both conditions using computer-based visual tasks and, where possible, electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity. VSS can cause a range of visual and non-visual symptoms that disrupt daily life, including its hallmark feature of seeing persistent static or “snow.” In April 2025, the World Health Organization officially recognized VSS as a distinct neurological condition, addressing previous misdiagnoses that often led to inadequate care.
Amber was honored with the Best Abstract Award for Inclusive Research Communication, recognizing her skill in conveying complex science clearly. Her work is informed by her personal experience with VSS, which drives her focus on patient-centered research.
Beyond her academic work, Amber also moderates the only support group for Visual Snow Syndrome with the Visual Snow Initiative and AnCan, connecting directly with those navigating the condition.
