MBCT-vision VSS RCT

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a neurological condition where affected people see flickering dots across their whole visual field, & may have other symptoms such as light sensitivity, after-images, trailing of images, & tinnitus. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies in VSS have shown brain network dysregulation involving the visual pathway. There is currently no evidence-based validated treatment for VSS, therefore the current standard of care is no treatment.

This research trial is to test the treatment of an intensive mindfulness programme, using the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy customised for visual symptoms (MBCT-vision) programme, for people with Visual Snow Syndrome. MBCT-vision is a group learning programme, where people meet once weekly for 8 weeks. During these once weekly sessions, they learn mindfulness practices. The group discussions about the mindfulness practices introduces cognitive behavioural skills. Participants are given daily home practices between these weekly group learning sessions. We completed a study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04184726) showing MBCT-vision was a feasible treatment for VSS.

This clinical trial is a 'randomized controlled trial'(RCT), where the effectiveness of a treatment is evaluated by comparison between two groups. We are recruiting people with VSS. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: one group receives MBCT-vision; while another group received standard care only for 5 months. The second group is called a waiting-list control group, whereby after 5 months, they will receive MBCT-vision treatment. The study will be conducted from single centre at a tertiary care hospital and the MBCT-vision is delivered online.

The key outcome of interest is severity of Visual Snow Syndrome on a 0-10 visual analogue scale. Other outcome measures will be collected to understand the effect of MBCT-vision, including quality of life and psychological wellbeing.

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