Washington, D.C. – An ongoing investigation conducted by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that repeated scans of patients with the mysterious Havana syndrome have not shown significant evidence of brain injury. Published on Monday in JAMA, two studies examined over 80 patients who had been stationed in various locations, such as Cuba, Austria, and China. The researchers found few significant differences in cognitive and physical tests when compared to a control group.
The focus of the study was on assessing the physical condition of the patients rather than determining the origin of the ailments, which are now referred to as “anomalous health incidents” (AHIs) by the U.S. government. The research did not aim to dismiss claims in the media that American officials were targeted by an unidentified foreign adversary using a new pulsed-energy weapon.
Despite the lack of evidence of brain damage in the patients, the findings are expected to reignite the controversy surrounding the global medical mystery known as the Havana syndrome. While the study may not conclusively resolve the debate, it could raise doubts within the scientific and intelligence communities regarding the existence of unidentified adversaries using exotic weapons to target government officials.
The patients who volunteered for the study, which began in 2018, exhibited severe symptoms that significantly impacted their ability to work. Researchers acknowledged the reality of these symptoms and noted that one-third of the cases involved individuals who were either unable to work or struggled to do so.
Earlier studies in JAMA had reported unusual brain scan findings in some patients, prompting speculation about potential attacks with electromagnetic energy pulses. However, the NIH reports indicated that the new data did not support these earlier findings. The patients studied did not demonstrate signs of brain injuries, and many showed signs of improvement in their symptoms.
The Havana syndrome, originally named after State Department officials stationed in or near the U.S. Embassy in Havana, has since become a global issue with reports of American officials experiencing various symptoms due to targeted attacks. The mystery surrounding the ailment has led to political repercussions and strained relations between countries, prompting intense investigations to uncover the truth.
The absence of brain injury in the patients does not entirely rule out the possibility of an external event causing their symptoms. Additional research and investigations are needed to fully understand the underlying cause of the Havana syndrome and provide effective treatment for those affected.