Havana syndrome: Overview for otolaryngologists

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Public Health

Background:

• Havana Syndrome describes unexplained health incidents affecting diplomats in Cuba since 2016.
• Patients report a distinct set of neurological and otologic symptoms, often with a preceding auditory event.
• Previous studies have retrospectively analyzed symptoms, seeking classification and diagnostic criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review reported cases of Havana Syndrome.
• To aid otolaryngologists in understanding the syndrome for accurate diagnosis.
• To differentiate Havana Syndrome from other conditions with similar presentations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient cohorts.
• Clinical investigation of symptoms, including auditory and vestibular deficits.
• Comparison of reported symptoms with established disease diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

• Patients experienced a consistent pattern of symptoms, including auditory phenomena and neurological deficits.
• No conclusive cause for Havana Syndrome has been identified.
• Mass psychogenic illness has been suggested as a potential cause by intelligence agencies.

Conclusions:

• The etiology of Havana Syndrome remains undetermined.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
• Differentiating Havana Syndrome from other conditions is essential to ensure patients receive targeted treatment.