In late 2016, diplomats and spies from the U.S. in Havana, Cuba began reporting symptoms of a “mysterious illness.” Pain and ringing in the ears, nausea, vertigo, and brain fog were all high on the list. The term “Havana Syndrome” quickly spread as did reported cases. While theories have ranged from sonic to microwave weapons and even pesticides, a CIA report released in January 2022 found that most Havana syndrome cases are “unlikely” to be caused by a foreign attack. A medical sociologist believes the controversy rests in a fundamental misunderstanding of how the brain works.
