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Recently, two people at the recently high-profile murder center may have the same rare and related health conditions.
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to murdering four Idaho students, while Luigi Mangione is accused of stalking and ambushing United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson, apparently with the same neurological condition known as Visual Snow Syndrome.
This rare disorder can damage vision, as if the person is watching snow or static on an old TV.
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According to multiple reports, both Kohberger and Mangione have published information about their status publicly.
Kohberger reportedly posted a forum on a platform called Tapatalk in 2011 about his battle with Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), saying his vision makes the world feel like a “video game.”
Left Luigi Mangione and Bryan Kohberger right, both reportedly suffer from a rare disease called Visian Snow syndrome. (Curtis represents – Pool/Getty Image; Kyle Green Pool/Getty Image)
These words resurfaced in an article, and these words stood out: “When I hugged my family, I looked at their faces and saw nothing. It's like I was watching video games, but less, but less… like I was seriously hurt by my brain. I was trapped in my mind, in the place where the devil I had to fight often.”
Mangione also reportedly posted information on the topic on Reddit in 2018 and commented on VSS and forums where he apparently suffered from other conditions, including brain fog and chronic back pain.
Mangione is reportedly facing numerous charges, including horror-related murders, and he also detailed his aversion to the health insurance industry.
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The Cleveland Clinic describes visual snow syndrome as “a flickering point throughout the field of view.”
Some people describe it as seeing something inside the snowball being shocked.
“Snow” can be colorful, black and white, or transparent. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it may flash.
The above shows a description of normal vision on the left – compared to the vision of someone with VSS on the right. (iStock)
Scientists believe the condition may be related to “excitability” or ADHD in the occipital lobe of the brain, which was treated in the occipital lobe of the brain, but there is no clear cause and no standard treatment.
For many people, Vision Snow Syndrome is a chronic disease and they may also experience migraines and anxiety.
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The Cleveland Clinic says rare diseases affect only about 2% to 3% of people worldwide.
Symptoms of visual snow syndrome can include:
- Always see “snow” or “static” in all directions, even if you close your eyes
- Seeing the trailing object after the actual image passes, a condition called palinopsia
- Sensitivity to light
- It's hard to see at night
- Seeing images in the eyes is called insect phenomenon
Experts say VSS can improve itself or worsen over time. Above, another split image shows a scene with normal vision, compared to the scene on the right, the left is what the person with VSS sees. (iStock)
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with visual snow syndrome may also experience the following:
- The ears are ringing or buzzing, also known as tinnitus
- Anxiety, depression or irritability
- Difficult concentration
- Puzzled
- Brain fog
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Often migraines with halo
- Dizziness
- nausea
- The feeling of personalization or disconnection from oneself
- dizziness
To diagnose Vision Snow Syndrome, experts urged visits to neurologists and ophthalmologists or neurotransgender researchers who can rule out other diseases or conditions.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that visual symptoms cannot be the same as the aura of migraines, and this cannot be due to the appearance of medications that may cause “snow” to appear.
According to the study, many people with VSS also experience migraines. (iStock)
Dr. Ashley Brissette, a New York City-based ophthalmologist, told Fox News Digital that she has seen visual complaints in patients with VSS, but ophthalmic examinations, imaging and functional test results are “usually normal.”
“Although this is not harmful to vision, visual snow can be painful,” the doctor said.
“Patients often experience persistent visual impairment that can interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving or using the screen, resulting in frustration and feeling overload.”
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“The lack of knowledge of the condition, along with normal test results, can cause anxiety, fear of serious illness and the feeling of being fired by a health care provider.”
Over time, these “indomitable symptoms” can lead to depression, sleep disorders, fatigue and social isolation, Brissette said.
“Since visual snowfall is invisible to others, many patients feel misunderstood or lonely, making emotional support and mental health care an important part of managing this situation,” she said.
A medical expert said the “invisible” nature of VSS may frustrate patients. (iStock)
Despite allegedly Kohberger and Mangione have this condition, Brissette commented: “Many things can affect their mental health”, while the overall clinical environment is not yet clear.
“The combination of uncomfortable neurological symptoms and stress of navigating unexplained health problems may exacerbate anxiety, reduce quality of life and increase mental illness,” she said.
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While there are no treatments for the disease, some providers may recommend medication for mental health symptoms, including antidepressants, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The complete clinical environment is not yet known.
Some migraine medications are also recommended and tested. The Cleveland Clinic also recommends using blue light blockers on the device.
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Relieving stress and avoiding fatigue can also help resolve certain symptoms, such as pleasant exercise, yoga, meditation and massage, which can help you improve your sleep.
Kohberger's defense team was subject to the case's gag order and did not answer questions about the disease. A spokeswoman for Mangione did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Michael Ruiz and Khloe Quill of Fox News Digital contributed the report.
