Increased susceptibility to the face pareidolia illusion in Visual Snow syndrome

Visual Snow (VS) syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by the constant perception of small flicking dots across the visual field. These symptoms are thought to be caused by hyperexcitability in the visual cortex. This study examined the potential link between VS and susceptibility to the face pareidolia (FP) illusion, where faces are perceived in inanimate objects. Using a self-report VS questionnaire and a standard FP sensitivity task, we collected data remotely from 132 individuals with VS and 104 age-matched controls. Results revealed higher FP sensitivity in individuals with VS, amplified in those with co-occurring migraines. Non-parametric analyses confirmed elevated face scores for VS participants, even when migraines were excluded. A rank-order analysis showed consistency in response patterns across groups, ruling out the idea that extraordinary responses to one stimulus drove the group difference. These findings suggest that individuals with VS syndrome have an increased susceptibility to the FP illusion. Future research should investigate whether hyperexcitability in the visual cortex is the cause.