Hi! My name is Maksim Khodych, and I’m 17 years old.

My life with Visual Snow Syndrome began after a vacation, when a persistent migraine lasted for two weeks without relief. Daily stress was already high. I was constantly pushing myself to study hard and build a good future, dreaming of becoming an engineer, but everything changed in an instant.

At first, no one believed I had a serious problem. I visited an optometrist and got glasses for mild astigmatism, thinking they would fix my vision, but they didn’t help. German doctors initially dismissed my condition, saying it was “not a migraine at all.” Then derealization hit, and one day I woke up with the full range of symptoms: palinopsia (afterimages), flickering and shimmering vision, constant visual trembling and shaking (oscillopsia), and from that moment on, I have been tortured by them nonstop.

Neurologists misdiagnosed me with migraine with aura, which I never had, only constant pain and visual disturbances. Everyday life feels unbearable, especially studying, which was my biggest goal and passion. As a Ukrainian who fled the war, my nervous system was already fragile due to trauma, isolation, and health issues such as childhood asthma and allergies. Now, living in Duisburg, Germany, my main distraction is watching football. I’m a huge fan, and it brings me brief moments of peace.

I am currently waiting for a response from a neurologist in Frankfurt regarding a proper VSS diagnosis and treatment, and I hope she will be able to help.

To everyone living with VSS: you are not alone in this struggle. War-related trauma may have made my condition worse, but we must keep going through the darkest days. Football matches, small daily routines, and even one doctor who truly listens can become lifelines. I wish all of you clearer vision, less pain, and moments of joy amid the noise. Keep fighting. We will get through this together.