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What is there to know about Havana
syndrome?
Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — Written by Alicia Sparks Akers
on March 8, 2024
Overview Symptoms Theories Investigations FAQ Summary
The term Havana syndrome refers to a perplexing group
of sometimes debilitating symptoms that can include
difficulties with thinking, sight, and hearing. Researchers
do not yet fully understand this phenomenon.
United States government officials first reported the symptoms while on
assignments in Havana, Cuba. However, the exact origins and causes of
Havana syndrome are still unknown.
Investigations into the syndrome are ongoing and involve multiple
government agencies and scientific researchers.
This article looks at what we do and do not know about Havana
syndrome, including theories on possible causes, investigations,
treatment options, and more.
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What is Havana syndrome?
diegograndi/Getty Images
Havana syndrome refers to a set of idiopathic symptoms that have
affected diplomats, intelligence officers, and other government officials
primarily stationed in Cuba but also in other locations worldwide.
The term “Havana syndrome” originates from a cluster of cases reported
among US and Canadian embassy staff in Havana, Cuba, in late 2016 .
However, similar incidents have been reported in other countries,
including China, Russia, and, most recently, India.
The US Department of State and other federal agencies refer to Havana
syndrome occurrences as Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI).
Symptoms
For most people with Havana syndrome, initial symptoms included
hearing a loud, high-pitched noise or buzzing and then experiencing
pressure in either the head, ears, or both.
Additional symptoms
A D V E R T Iof
S E MHavana
ENT syndrome can vary among individuals
and cover a range of cognitive, visual, auditory, behavioral, and emotional
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areas.
Examples include:
memory and concentration problems
dizziness and balance difficulties
headaches
nausea
irritability or feeling unusually emotional
hearing loss, sound sensitivity, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
visual disturbances such as light sensitivity
fatigue or drowsiness
difficulty falling asleep
changes in sleep duration
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Some individuals experience mild symptoms that resolve quickly, while
others may experience more severe and persistent symptoms lasting for
months or even years.
The duration and severity of symptoms vary depending on factors such as
the individual’s proximity to the perceived source of the phenomenon and
their overall health.
Possible causes and theories
Despite extensive investigations by various government agencies and
independent researchers, the exact cause of Havana syndrome remains
unknown.
Some theories include exposure to some form of directed energy, such
as microwaves or sonic waves, as well as chemical or environmental
factors.
Some experts believe that the syndrome may be the result of a targeted
attack by a foreign government using sophisticated technology. In 2018,
the US Department of State issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Cuba due
to “health attacks directed at U.S. Embassy Havana employees.”
Others suggest that it could be a psychological or psychosomatic
response to stress or other factors.
Investigations
There have been numerous investigations into possible causes of Havana
syndrome.
These investigations have involved experts from multiple fields, including
medicine, neuroscience, engineering, and intelligence.
However, progress has been slow, with no definitive conclusions. Some
experts have criticized the lack of transparency and cooperation among
government agencies and international partners.
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Most recently, the US House Intelligence Committee has been
investigating the ways in which US intelligence agencies examined
Havana syndrome cases. The committee is potentially challenging those
agencies’ conclusions that Havana syndrome was most likely due to
environmental or undiagnosed medical conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
This section answers some frequently asked questions about Havana
syndrome.
Can Havana syndrome be cured?
There is no specific cure or treatment for Havana syndrome because the
underlying cause remains unknown.
Treatment typically focuses on managing individual symptoms, such as
pain relief for headaches and therapy for cognitive and emotional
difficulties.
Symptom improvement or resolution can vary from person to person.
What were the MRI findings of Havana syndrome?
Advanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of individuals
experiencing symptoms
A D V E R T I S E Mof
E N THavana syndrome have shown abnormalities
in the brain, including changes in:
white matter integrity
regional gray and white matter volumes
cerebellar tissue microstructural integrity
Additionally, researchers found changes in functional connectivity in
certain brain networks, including those related to vision and hearing.
These findings imply that the syndrome might involve structural and
functional changes in the brain. However, the clinical importance of these
differences remains uncertain and may require further investigation.
Summary
Despite multiple investigations and theories, Havana syndrome — the
array of cognitive, visual, auditory, and other symptoms US government
officials first experienced in Cuba — remains a mystery.
Research into what causes Havana syndrome is ongoing. Because of this,
treatment options focus on individual symptoms rather than the syndrome
as a whole.
Last medically reviewed on March 8, 2024
Public Health Neurology / Neuroscience
How we reviewed this article: Share this article
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