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Havana syndrome refers to a cluster of mysterious neurological symptoms reported by U.S. government employees.

Some experts believe pulsed microwaves cause the syndrome but the exact mechanism of injury is unknown.

Victims' reports hint that cumulative damage from fast-repeating acoustic microtraumas could be responsible.

Havana syndrome, or anomalous health incidents (AHI), refers to symptoms reported by U.S. National Security employees, such as the sudden onset of vertigo, headaches, and loud noises [1]. Many AHI victims report chronic symptoms such as imbalance, headaches, tinnitus, insomnia, and cognitive problems [2]. Neurologists who examined AHI victims describe the cluster of symptoms as being similar to that associated with a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) [3].

Both my wife, Dr. Chris Gilbert, M.D., Ph.D., and I have interviewed multiple victims, written articles, and consulted for the U.S. government on AHI. We are also currently conducting laboratory research on the phenomenon using sophisticated RF, thermal, and finite element simulations of the head, brain, and inner ear.

What causes Havana syndrome?

Two expert panels, including those at the National Academy of Sciences and the Intelligence Community, concluded that the most plausible cause of AHI symptoms was pulsed microwaves [4]. Pulsed microwaves are known to produce shockwaves in the brain from rapid local heating that can be heard as clicks, hisses, hums, buzzes, and pure tones. Reports of such sounds by AHI victims are one of the reasons pulsed microwaves have risen to the top of the plausible cause list [5].

Implications for brain health

Although the pulsed RF hypothesis of AHI injury has not been proven, if it turns out to be accurate, the implications for the impact of wireless (e.g., microwave) radiation on the brain are profound.

A 2021 study published by the Army Research Lab calculated that concussion-like trauma could be inflicted by a single RF pulse at 1 GHz (Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) with a power density of 10,000 Watts/cm² [6]. That’s an enormous amount of power, but it wouldn’t even be felt as heat if it........

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