Havana syndrome is a series of exhausting symptoms. This syndrome was first experienced by the US intelligence officers and embassy staff in Havana, Cuba. This incident began in 2016. In the next year, the US diplomats stationed at various places around the world experienced something similar.
Researchers have claimed that earlier it was ignored as a result of possible stress, or microwave weaponry. But, slowly the problem was experienced by other US officials stationed in other countries like China.
The symptoms resemble the one experienced during a concussion or head injury. It has also affected diplomats, intelligence personnel, military officers, and their family members at different places around the globe.
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Until now, it has been experienced by more than 130 people including the ones working in the US itself. The symptoms and after-effects of these are severe and even stay for a long time in life.
The symptoms of Havana Syndrome-
In 2016, the US diplomats at various locations heard a loud sound. The sound pierced through their ears at night and brought great pressure to their faces. It was paired with pain, nausea, and dizziness.
The sound ended but the symptoms continued. People felt pain, dizziness, and inability to concentrate. These symptoms hindered their ability to work.
After that numerous intelligence and military officers experienced nausea. There was confusion with pain in the ears and head. They have also suffered brain fog, insomnia, light sensitivity, memory problems, etc. There have been some long-term symptoms like migraine, distant vision issues, squinting vertigo, and nose bleeding.
They have been suffering from something like a head injury without any hit to the head or pre-existing mental problems.
What are the possible causes of Havana Syndrome?
Initially, the case was only confined to Havana, Cuba. So, it was suspected that it can be something accidental or intentional exposure to any toxins, chemicals, or pesticides. But, no such thing was found in the homes of any officials.
It is assumed that it might be the result of intentional or unintentional emission of ultrasonic or mechanical energy waves. This can be:-
- It can be a specialized bioweapon that releases radio-frequency entry exposure. It might have led to the creation of microbubbles in the fluid of the victim’s ear. When these bubbles travel in the blood to the brain it cause cell damage. This concept is very similar to decompression sickness.
- These symptoms can be a result of direct penetration of radiofrequency waves in a victim’s skull. This affects the electrical and chemical activity of the brain. So, this might be the reason for the long-lasting nature of symptoms.
Till now, there have been no reported deaths in the case of Havana syndrome. All the identified patients are alive.
What is the treatment of Havana syndrome?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been done on the patients. There are differences in the white matter (brain) of the people who are affected.
There are alterations in comparison to the unaffected people. This backs the theory that Havana syndrome creates non-specific and incomprehensible modifications in the structure and activity of the brain.
Their treatment includes art therapies, meditation, breathing exercises, and some acupressure. Special rehabilitation programs involving some particular neurological exercises in a 1-hour session are done.
This has been partly effective but more research is being done on it. The session also includes cognitive exercises like repetitive complex movements, balance, and orthopedic exercises.
An attempt to help and support by the US government:-
The US Senate in July 2021 passed legislation to extend support to the US officials who have suffered head injuries by the Havana syndrome from potential energy attacks.
It is known as the HAVANA (Helping American victims Afflicted by Attacks Act). This act plans to give support to individuals suffering from Havana Syndrome. It is an effort of the US government to acknowledge the Hardships of US officials.
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