Visual Snow ICD Codes

ICD Codes for Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) and Visual Snow

As of 2025, Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) has been officially incorporated into the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), marking one of the most significant developments in the recognition of the condition within the medical and scientific communities. This inclusion represents not only an administrative advancement but also a shift in the diagnostic framework, contributing to an evolving understanding of VSS. The increasing global adoption of ICD-11 establishes a basis for further advancements in therapeutic interventions, enhanced clinical comprehension, funding for VSS research, and improved accessibility to care for individuals with Visual Snow Syndrome.

WHO Recognizes Visual Snow Syndrome

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally classified Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) and Visual Snow (VS) within the ICD-11, assigning specific ICD codes and classifications. This milestone reflects a substantial step forward in the global acknowledgment of VSS, a condition that has historically been marginalized within the medical field despite its clinical validity. This classification was achieved through the efforts of the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI), led by Sierra Domb, with contributions from Dr. Peter Goadsby and Dr. Owen White.

ICD-11 Codes for Visual Snow Syndrome and Visual Snow

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS)

ICD Code

0 C4Y

(Specified disorders of the visual pathways or centers)

Definition of Visual Snow Syndrome

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a neuro-ophthalmological condition with both visual and non-visual symptoms. According to the WHO-FIC Foundation, VSS is diagnosed based on a history of persistent visual disturbances lasting more than three months, characterized by continuous, dynamic tiny dots across the visual field, along with at least two of the following symptoms: photophobia, palinopsia (moving or stationary), blue field entoptic phenomena, and nyctalopia. VSS is frequently associated with disturbances in central sensory processing, including migraine, tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction, migratory paraesthesia, and dissociative symptoms such as depersonalization and derealization.

Visual Snow (VS) - The Symptom

ICD Code

MC 0 Y

(Other specified symptoms or signs involving the visual system)

Categorical Classification: Specified Symptoms, Signs, or Clinical Findings Involving the Visual System, specifically Visual Disturbances
Description of Visual Snow: Visual Snow (VS) is characterized by persistent, innumerable dots throughout the visual field, similar to static on an analog television. These tiny dots may appear transparent, black and white, or colorful and often flicker dynamically.

The Impact of ICD-11 Classification

The inclusion of Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) and Visual Snow (VS) in ICD-11 represents a significant advancement in medical recognition, facilitating improved access to care and fostering research opportunities.

Benefits for Patients

Official Recognition: Confirms and recognizes VSS as a formally classified condition, helping reduce patient marginalization, diagnostic denials, and medical skepticism. For the first time, VSS and VS are listed in a global medical database, enabling clinicians to make more accurate and appropriate diagnoses.
Improved Diagnosis & Access to Care: Establishes clear diagnostic criteria, minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis and ensuring appropriate referrals to specialists, such as neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists.
Insurance Eligibility: Enhances the ability to secure insurance coverage for consultations, diagnostic tests, and potential treatments, addressing financial challenges.
Advancement of Treatment Development: Promotes pharmaceutical research and clinical trials aimed at developing targeted treatments.
Stronger Patient Advocacy & Resources: Strengthens the capacity to advocate for better medical care and awareness campaigns.

Benefits for Healthcare Providers

Standardized Diagnosis & Treatment: Provides definitive criteria to distinguish VSS from other conditions.
Increased Medical Awareness: Integrates VSS into medical education and clinical guidelines, ensuring it is addressed in clinical practice.
Insurance & Billing Support: Facilitates accurate documentation for billing and insurance claims.
Guided Treatment Approaches: Enables structured and evidence-based management strategies for VSS.

Benefits for Researchers & Public Health

Epidemiological Studies: Allows for the accurate tracking of prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities.
Increased Research Funding: Justifies the allocation of institutional and governmental funding for VSS research.
Improved Clinical Trials: Establishes standardized inclusion criteria for clinical studies.
Global Collaboration: Promotes international research efforts on Visual Snow Syndrome.

Challenges & Previous Codes

Historically, providers have relied on ICD-10 codes H53.9 (unspecified visual disturbances) or H53.19 (subjective visual disturbances) to categorize Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS). However, these codes were limited in their capacity to fully represent the complexities of VSS. These ICD-10 codes did not account for the broad range of symptoms associated with VSS, nor did they provide a distinct classification for Visual Snow (VS), the hallmark symptom of the condition, characterized by persistent “static” in the visual field 24/7.

VSS encompasses both visual and non-visual symptoms, as defined by the Diagnostic Criteria for VSS, which are supported by clinical and scientific research. The previous codes did not accurately reflect the full scope of symptoms or the neurological nature of the condition. While some providers were able to use these codes, challenges remained in securing appropriate financial support for care, disability services, and insurance coverage. The application of these codes was inconsistent, leading to continued difficulties for both healthcare providers and patients in navigating the healthcare system.

Future Outlook with ICD-11 Codes

The inclusion of specific ICD-11 codes for Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) as a distinct condition and Visual Snow (VS) as a symptom marks a significant advancement in the medical recognition and classification of this disorder. This development paves the way for more accurate diagnostics and a clearer understanding of the complexities of VSS.
These changes open up valuable opportunities for advancing research, improving clinical management, and enhancing access to specialized care. With these codes in place, there is strong potential for more focused treatments, increased research funding, and greater collaboration within the scientific community. This milestone provides a solid foundation for future progress, driving improvements in patient care and expanding our understanding of VSS.

Sierra Domb Announces Historic ICD Milestone for Visual Snow Syndrome

The Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) has concluded the last phase of its mission to secure a first-ever ICD code for Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS). Our Founder, Sierra Domb, has been working alongside Dr. Peter Goadsby and Dr. Owen White, for the inclusion of VSS in the latest edition of the International Classification Diseases, or ICD-11, which is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Support Visual Snow Syndrome Research

All donations to the Visual Snow Initiative go directly to Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) research.

Your tax-deductible contribution ensures that global research will continue and makes a positive difference in the lives of people affected by VSS.

Watch Now: Visual Snow Initiative & Oxford Mindfulness: Global Access to MBCT for Visual Snow Syndrome Sierra Domb Announces Historic ICD Milestone for Visual Snow Syndrome Sierra Domb Shares VSI Updates on Visual Snow Syndrome TEDx: What is Visual Snow? Transforming Anguish Into Action

ICD Codes for Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) and Visual Snow