Havana syndrome: will we ever understand what happened?
Mar 21, 2024
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Explore the baffling Havana syndrome affecting US diplomats with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and severe headaches. Unraveling the mystery of Havana syndrome and its impact on brain function. Delve into theories surrounding affected individuals, treatability of functional neurological disorders, and the US government's response. Investigate the enigmatic Havana syndrome with theories of a secret weapon or psychogenic illness, lacking a definitive answer.
Havana syndrome symptoms may result from targeted microwave attacks, sparking debates on the cause.
Functional neurological disorders like triple PD could explain Havana syndrome, emphasizing brain function over structure.
Deep dives
Origins and Symptoms of Havana Syndrome
Since 2016, the mysterious condition known as Havana syndrome has affected diplomats and officials, predominantly from the US embassy in Havana. Those afflicted report experiencing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, severe headaches, and in some cases, severe disabilities, believed to have been caused by targeted attacks using a secret microwave weapon. Despite hundreds of reported cases, the exact cause remains unknown, with theories ranging from mass hysteria to physical brain damage.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Research
Studies and assessments have been conducted to determine the biological basis of Havana syndrome, yet findings have not shown any physical abnormalities in afflicted individuals. While initial research hinted at structural brain differences, recent studies found no concrete evidence to support this. Some experts suggest that Havana syndrome could be classified as a functional neurological disorder, indicating neurological symptoms stemming from brain functionality and not structure.
Functional Neurological Disorders and Treatment
Functional neurological disorders like triple PD have emerged as potential explanations for Havana syndrome, triggered by minor events leading to persistent symptoms like dizziness and migraines. The absence of observable structural brain damage in recent studies aligns with this theory, indicating a software issue in brain function rather than a hardware problem. Acknowledging these conditions as legitimate medical issues is crucial in understanding and destigmatizing the experiences of those affected.
In late 2016, US officials in Cuba’s capital began experiencing a mysterious and often debilitating set of symptoms that came to be known as Havana syndrome. As two new studies into the condition are published, Ian Sample speaks to the Guardian’s world affairs editor, Julian Borger, who has been following the story, and to the consultant neurologist Prof Jon Stone, about what could be behind the condition. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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