What is the mysterious Havana syndrome due to which American diplomats suffer dizziness and lose consciousness in embassies?

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Havana Syndrome Research Reveals No Notable Differences in Brain Scans

Havana syndrome, a mysterious medical condition that has affected diplomats in both Cuba and China, continues to puzzle the scientific community. Recently, a team of American researchers led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a study in the journal JAMA that sheds new light on this enigmatic syndrome.

The study, which examined brain scans and other biological tests of 81 individuals with Havana syndrome compared to 48 healthy controls, found no notable differences in brain volume, structure, or function between the two groups. Despite previous research suggesting significant abnormalities in brain scans of those with Havana syndrome, this latest study did not support those findings.

Carlo Pierpaoli, a neuroscientist at the NIH and the main author of the research, notes that while there were no MRI-detectable disparities between individuals with Havana syndrome and controls, it does not rule out the possibility of an adverse event affecting the brain during the onset of the syndrome. The research also found that individuals with Havana syndrome reported more balance problems, fatigue, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to the control group.

Although the study’s results may not provide a definitive explanation for the symptoms of Havana syndrome, it highlights the need to consider multiple factors when interpreting these findings. Leighton Chan, acting chief scientific officer at the NIH, emphasized the importance of recognizing the real and significant disruptions that Havana syndrome has on the lives of those affected.

Despite the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding Havana syndrome, it is clear that those affected by this condition have experienced significant consequences on their health and well-being. Many have had to leave their posts at embassies and undergo medical treatment to address their symptoms.

The findings of this research add to the growing body of knowledge about Havana syndrome and provide valuable insights that can inform further investigations into this puzzling medical condition. The quest for understanding and addressing the symptoms of Havana syndrome continues, as researchers and medical professionals work to unravel the mysteries surrounding this complex and intriguing syndrome.