Two individuals at the center of recent high-profile murder cases may have the same rare and concerning health condition.

Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the murder of four University of Idaho students, and Luigi Mangione, accused of stalking and ambushing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, apparently have the same neurological condition known as visual snow syndrome.

The rare disorder impairs vision, as if the person is looking through snow or static on an old television.

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Both Kohberger and Mangione have posted publicly about their condition, according to multiple reports. 

Kohberger reportedly posted in a forum on a platform called TapATalk in 2011 about his struggle with visual snow syndrome (VSS), saying his vision made the world feel like a “video game.”

In one post, which has resurfaced on Reddit, these words stood out: “As I hug my family, I look into their faces, I see nothing. It is like I am looking at a video game, but less … It is like I have severe brain damage. I am stuck in the depths of my mind, where I have to constantly battle my demons.”

Mangione also reportedly posted about the topic on Reddit in 2018, commenting in forums on VSS as well as on other conditions he apparently suffers from, including brain fog and chronic back pain.

Mangione, who faces numerous charges, including terror-related murder, has also allegedly written at length about his disgust with the health insurance industry.

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Cleveland Clinic describes visual snow syndrome as “flickering dots throughout your field of vision.” 

Some people describe it as seeing things inside a snow globe that’s been shaken up.

The “snow” can be colorful, black and white — or transparent. And it may flash, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Shown above, a depiction of normal vision, at left — compared to the vision of someone suffering from VSS, at right. (iStock)

Scientists assume the condition may be related to “excitability” or hyperactivity in the occipital lobes of the brain, where images are processed, but there’s no definite cause and no standard treatment.

Visual snow syndrome is a chronic condition for many, who may also experience migraines and anxiety.

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The uncommon disorder only impacts about 2% to 3% of people globally, said Cleveland Clinic.

Symptoms of visual snow syndrome can include:

• Always seeing “snow” or “static” in every direction, even if eyes are closed
• Seeing trailing objects after the actual image has passed, a condition called palinopsia
• Having a sensitivity to light
• Having difficulty seeing at night
• Seeing images within the eye, known as entoptic phenomena

VSS can improve on its own — or it can worsen over time, according to experts. Above, another split image showing a scene with normal vision, left, as compared to the one at right, as seen by someone with VSS. (iStock)

People with visual snow syndrome may also experience the following, according to Cleveland Clinic:

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears, also referred to as tinnitus
• Anxiety, depression or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion
• Brain fog
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Frequent migraines with aura
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Depersonalization, or the feeling of being disconnected from oneself
• Vertigo

In order to get a diagnosis of visual snow syndrome, experts urge visiting a neurologist and an ophthalmologist, or a neuro-ophthalmologist, who can rule out other diseases or conditions.

Visual symptoms cannot be the same as migraine aura, Cleveland Clinic reported, and cannot be due to the use of drugs that can cause “snow” to appear in vision.

Many people with VSS also experience migraines, according to research. (iStock)

Dr. Ashley Brissette, an ophthalmologist in New York City, told Fox News Digital that she’s seen patients with VSS who present with visual complaints — but the eye exam, imaging and function test results are “typically normal.”

“Though it is not harmful to vision, visual snow can be highly distressing,” the doctor said (she has not treated either Kohberger or Mangione). 

“Patients often experience constant visual disturbances that interfere with daily activities like reading, driving or using screens, leading to frustration and sensory overload.” 

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“The lack of understanding of the condition, along with normal test results, can cause anxiety, fear of serious illness and feelings of being dismissed by healthcare providers.”

These “unrelenting symptoms” can lead to depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue and social isolation over time, Brissette said. 

“Because visual snow is invisible to others, many patients feel misunderstood or alone, making emotional support and mental health care an essential part of managing the condition,” she said.

The “invisible” nature of VSS can be frustrating for patients, said one medical professional.  (iStock)

Although Kohberger and Mangione allegedly share this condition, Brissette commented that “many things could have influenced their mental health” and the full clinical context is unknown.

“The combination of uncomfortable neurological symptoms and the stress of navigating unexplained health issues likely exacerbated anxiety, lowered quality of life, and added to mental illness,” she said.

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While there is no treatment for the condition, some providers may suggest medication for mental health symptoms, including antidepressants, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

The full clinical context is unknown.

Some migraine medications have also been suggested and tested. Cleveland Clinic additionally recommended the use of blue-light blockers on devices.

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Relieving stress and avoiding fatigue can also help with certain symptoms, which activities like enjoyable exercise, yoga, meditation and massage can help with, as well as taking steps to improve sleep.

Kohberger’s defense team, bound by a gag order on the case, did not respond to questions about the condition. A spokeswoman for Mangione did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Michael Ruiz and Khloe Quill, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting. 

Olivia Munn, who previously claimed that a breast cancer risk assessment test saved her life, announced on social media this week that it also saved her mother’s life.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer,” the actress, 45, wrote in her caption.

“You may know that when I talk about my own battle with cancer, I bring up the Lifetime Risk Assessment test that saved my life. I never would’ve predicted it would save my mom’s life as well.”

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What is the breast cancer risk assessment score?

While there are several risk assessment tools available to patients and physicians, the breast cancer risk assessment tool (BCRAT) is one of the most common, Fox News Digital previously reported.

The BCRAT is based on a statistical model known as the Gail Model.

It’s named after Dr. Mitchell Gail, an NIH distinguished investigator at the National Cancer Institute, according to a National Cancer Institute (NCI) spokesperson.

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The five-minute test helps predict a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer within the next five years, and up to 90 years of age, according to the NCI.

Just one year ago, Munn credited the test with prompting her to get a biopsy – even after mammograms and genetic testing came back negative.

The biopsy showed she had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. 

Luminal B is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer.

The BCRAT calculates a woman’s “absolute breast cancer risk.” 

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On its website, the organization defines this as the “chance or probability of developing invasive breast cancer in a defined age interval.”

The risk calculator considers factors including age, race, medical history and reproductive history.

It also looks at the family history of breast cancer among relatives like mothers, sisters and daughters. 

The BCRAT calculates a woman’s “absolute breast cancer risk.” (iStock)

Once the information is calculated, users are provided with a score.

Fox News Digital previously reported that a five-year risk score of 1.67% or more is considered high-risk. A healthcare provider may recommend certain medications to decrease the chances of developing cancer, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website.

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Dr. Nicole Saphier, M.D., board-certified breast imaging radiologist and associate professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, recommends individual risk assessments to her referring clinicians and patients.

Olivia Munn at the 14th Governors Awards held at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on Jan. 9, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Christopher Polk/WWD via Getty Images)

“Olivia Munn’s doctor may have saved her life by doing so,” Saphier previously said in a statement to Fox News Digital when news of Munn’s diagnosis first broke in 2024.

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“While a standard mammogram is sufficient for nearly half of all women, many others will benefit from adding an ultrasound or MRI based on breast density and various other factors that may make someone [a] higher risk [candidate].”

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Less than 5% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer will have cancer in the contralateral (opposite) breast, according to Saphier.

“Olivia Munn was one of those rare cases,” she said.

Americans are getting hooked on an alternative to fish oil that’s packed with omega-3s and is easier for the body to absorb.

Krill oil, which comes from tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans abundant in the Antarctic Ocean, boasts omega-3 fatty acids that may help improve heart health, fight inflammation and support brain and nervous system health, according to medical experts.

The global krill market is expected to grow substantially over the next 10 years as an alternative to fish oil, according to data from Allied Market Research, as people seek the benefits that are abundant in fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and anchovies.

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“Whole food comes first, but krill oil makes a powerful second line of defense,” Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family physician in Florida and author of the book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health,” told Fox News Digital. 

“The major benefit of krill oil over fish oil is that, in krill oil, the omega-3 fats – EPA and DHA – come bound to phospholipids, which makes them easier for your body to absorb and use,” Mercola said. 

DHA in fish oil struggles to reach the retina, for example, while krill-based DHA crosses into the eyes and helps preserve vision, he said.

Krill oil’s ability to cross cellular barriers more effectively also allows it to better fight inflammation, improve memory and even counter age-related decline, Mercola added.

Synthetic fish oils are especially hard for the body to process and offer fewer benefits, he said.

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Krill oil may also lower cholesterol and triglycerides, which can increase the risk of heart disease, according to a 2015 study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease.

Krill also has astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant with additional anti-inflammatory benefits, said Dr. David Rizik, an interventional cardiologist at HonorHealth in Arizona.

Krill oil can be much more expensive than fish oil because of harvesting and processing. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images)

The small crustaceans have fewer toxins like mercury, often found in large fish, according to experts.

Krill are also a more sustainable option, Fox News Digital previously reported, because they are so plentiful in the Antarctic.

Some downsides

There are some downsides to consider, however.

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“Krill oil tends to be lower in EPA and DHA when compared to high-quality fish oils, and is often more expensive,” Rizik, also chief medical officer at High Level Science, told Fox News Digital.

“Fish oil, particularly when in superior triglyceride form and combined with clinically-backed nutrients, delivers consistent omega-3 levels at a better value,” he said, adding that the key is how it’s sourced and formulated. 

Supplements can be necessary if people don’t eat fish like salmon several times a week, experts say. (iStock)

But because krill oil is absorbed better, less of it is needed to see results.

The research is still new on krill oil, Rizik noted. 

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“Most of the long-term and large-scale clinical data on omega-3s, especially for heart, brain and metabolic health, is on EPA and DHA from fish oil,” he added.

For most adults, about 500 to 1,000 mg of krill oil daily delivers effective amounts of EPA and DHA, Mercola said. Those with a shellfish allergy should check with a doctor before taking it, he advised. 

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Fish oil and krill oil are known to have blood-thinning effects, and krill oil’s use among pregnant and breast-feeding women has not been heavily researched, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The organization recommends consulting with doctors before adding any supplements to your diet.

While some people may be skeptical of hypnosis, experts say it’s a legitimate therapy that can help with a range of physical and mental challenges — including, possibly, alcohol use disorder.

Clinical hypnosis has shown to be effective in the treatment of pain, anxiety, stress, cancer treatment side effects, phobias and habit control problems, such as smoking and weight control, according to past randomized controlled trials.

“Hypnosis is the oldest Western form of psychotherapy, but it is underutilized,” Dr. David Spiegel, associate chair of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine in California and a leading authority in the field of hypnosis, told Fox News Digital.

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What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not itself considered a therapy. Rather, it enhances other treatments by inducing a state of increased concentration while reducing peripheral awareness, experts say. 

The practice aims to put people in a deep state of relaxation so they can learn more easily.

Shawn Criswell, Ph.D., a mental counselor practicing in Oregon, defines it as “a gentle way of shifting people’s focus to new ideas and perspectives that can help improve their lives.”

Added Criswell, “It does this in part by connecting them with their strengths and resources, empowering them in the process, and directly contradicting the old, tired myth that in hypnosis, you’ll give up control of yourself.” He co-authored, together with Michael Yapko, Ph.D, the latest edition of “Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis.”

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Past research suggests that hypnosis may alter brain activity related to attention and consciousness.

“The brain activation patterns during hypnosis — such as for color, pain and sound — are similar to those observed during actual experiences,” Dr. Ryan Sultan, attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and director of the Mental Health Informatics Lab at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

“Hypnosis is the oldest Western form of psychotherapy, but it is underutilized,” one expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Some people may choose to practice self-hypnosis, which he described as the process of entering a trance-like state without the guidance of a hypnotist.

Sultan compared it to entering a “controlled, simplified state” in which people may be more open to certain ideas and therapeutic suggestions.

“I have had patients stop drinking by focusing on respecting and protecting their bodies.”

But the effects can be short-lived, he noted, and some individuals may find it difficult to maintain the hypnotic state without external cues.

The treatment technique has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. To maximize its safety and effectiveness, Sultan recommended hypnosis by a qualified professional.

Can hypnosis cure alcohol dependence?

Hypnosis may help support people with drinking problems by encouraging motivation, reducing cravings and helping to manage stress, according to Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City.

The expert emphasized, however, that hypnosis is not a standalone cure for problem drinking. Instead, it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychiatric support and targeted medications when necessary.

Hypnosis may help support people with drinking problems by encouraging motivation, reducing cravings and helping to manage stress, a psychiatrist said. (iStock)

“There is less evidence about alcohol problems, but I have had patients stop drinking by focusing on respecting and protecting their bodies,” Spiegel noted.

“One of my patients thought about that concept in hypnosis, and said, ‘You mean, the body is the temple of the soul?’” he added.

Risks and regulations

Hypnotherapy presents little risk, according to Spiegel.

“The worst thing that can happen is that it may not always work,” he told Fox News Digital.

“It is best to seek care from a psychiatrist or psychologist with specialized training in clinical hypnosis.”

Possible mild side effects include dizziness and emotional release. There is also a risk of false memories if used for memory recall, Sultan cautioned.

The therapy is also not recommended for people with severe mental illness, such as psychosis, experts say.

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Mayo Clinic also notes that side effects are uncommon, but that some people may experience anxiety, sleepiness, headache and nausea.

“It is best to seek care from a psychiatrist or psychologist with specialized training in clinical hypnosis,” Bazzi told Fox News Digital.

Approximately 28 million Americans aged 18 and older are living with an alcohol-use disorder, according to 2023 estimates from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (iStock)

“These professionals can objectively assess your susceptibility to hypnosis, determine whether it is an appropriate and potentially effective intervention for your specific concerns, and develop a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan tailored to your needs,” she added.

For those seeking a hypnotist, experts recommend visiting the websites of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or The International Society of Hypnosis, both of which offer directories of professionals who have expertise and often certification in the practice.

Warning signs of alcohol use disorder

Some 28 million Americans aged 18 and older are living with alcohol-use disorder, according to 2023 estimates from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

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People may be drinking excessively if they consume enough alcohol in one sitting to raise their blood alcohol level to greater than 0.08, or if they drink more than a certain number of drinks in one week, experts say.

Those who believe they may have an alcohol-dependence problem and are interested in seeking alternative therapies should contact their doctor for recommendations. (iStock)

This generally equates to women having four or more drinks or men consuming five or more drinks at once — or a weekly amount of eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Signs of an alcohol problem include experiencing a loss of control when drinking, continuing to drink despite adverse consequences, and experiencing compulsive cravings when not drinking – often referred to as the “three Cs.”

Those who think they may have an alcohol-dependence problem and are interested in seeking alternative therapies should contact their doctor for recommendations.