Kohberger and Mangione Linked by Rare Visual Snow Syndrome in Murder Cases

In a curious intersection of crime and health, two men linked to shocking murder cases, Bryan Kohberger and Luigi Mangione, reportedly share a rare neurological condition known as visual snow syndrome (VSS). This disorder, which affects only about 2% to 3% of the global population, creates a constant visual disturbance akin to watching static on an old TV screen or peering through a shaken snow globe.

Kohberger, who has pleaded guilty to the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students, and Mangione, accused of the terror-related killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, have both publicly discussed their struggles with VSS. Kohberger described his vision as feeling like a 'video game,' trapped in a distorted reality where even family faces seem unreal. Mangione, meanwhile, has shared his frustrations online, coupling his visual impairment with chronic pain and disdain for the health insurance industry.

What is Visual Snow Syndrome?
According to medical experts, VSS manifests as flickering dots across one’s field of vision, sometimes colorful, sometimes transparent, and often accompanied by migraines or anxiety. The exact cause remains elusive, though some theories point to hyperactivity in the brain’s occipital lobes, where visual processing occurs. As one ophthalmologist noted, while VSS doesn’t harm vision itself, its unrelenting nature can be deeply distressing, disrupting daily tasks like reading or driving, and often leading to frustration or sensory overload.

The Emotional Toll
Beyond the visual impairment, the condition can weigh heavily on mental health. Patients frequently report feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression, exacerbated by the invisibility of their struggle to others. The lack of a clear diagnosis or treatment—despite normal test results—can leave sufferers feeling dismissed or misunderstood. Recommendations for managing symptoms include stress relief through exercise, meditation, or blue-light blockers, though no definitive cure exists.

While this shared diagnosis between Kohberger and Mangione raises eyebrows, experts caution against drawing direct links to their alleged crimes. Many factors can influence mental health, and the full context of their conditions remains unknown. Still, the overlap sheds light on a rare disorder that, for those afflicted, can turn the world into a relentless, snowy haze.