Throughout history, physicians have played a pivotal role in gathering and analyzing information about human health and disease. From the earliest written records to the present day, meticulous documentation of clinical cases has been instrumental in advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare.

Physicians, like true Sherlocks, have maintained the tradition of sharing clinical observations in letters to colleagues, books, and medical journals, a practice that has greatly contributed to humanity's clinical-pathological knowledge. Even in the modern era, where diagnostic methods and tools are more sophisticated, individual case reports or case series remain invaluable, especially when dealing with rare or little-known diseases.

However, it is concerning that politicization and extremist polarization are increasingly affecting science, including medicine. The Havana Syndrome is a clear example of how political debates and ideological agendas can influence the perception and study of public health phenomena.

In an environment where objectivity and impartiality are fundamental for scientific advancement, it is crucial that healthcare professionals remain true to ethical principles and seek the truth without being influenced by political or ideological considerations. This involves being alert to potential biases and working to maintain integrity and objectivity in research and clinical practice.

Despite the challenges science faces due to politicization and polarization, it is important to remember that medicine remains a discipline dedicated to understanding, preserving, and improving human health. Physicians and other healthcare professionals have the responsibility to continue this noble mission, committing to uphold high standards of ethics and scientific rigor in their daily work.

Havana Syndrome refers to a set of medical signs and symptoms used to describe a series of unexplained health incidents reported by U.S. and Canadian diplomats and other personnel stationed in Havana, Cuba, starting in late 2016.

The synonymy used has been varied and includes: “Unexplained Health Incidents (UHI)”; “Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI)”; “Directed Energy Syndrome” and “Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)”.

While the exact cause of these incidents remains unknown, there are several reasons why Havana Syndrome may indeed exist:

Consistency of Symptoms: Multiple individuals have reported a consistent set of similar symptoms across different locations and times, suggesting a pattern of illness rather than isolated incidents. This consistency strengthens the argument and lends credibility for the existence of a distinct syndrome.

Documented Medical Evaluations: Many of the affected individuals have undergone medical extensive evaluations that have confirmed the presence of health issues, including neurological impairments due to physical changes in the brain, such as changes in white matter tracts that are involved in processing sensory information. These evaluations provide empirical evidence supporting the reality of the syndrome.

Corroboration by Medical Experts: Medical experts, including neurologists and other specialists, have independently examined the cases and affirmed the validity of the reported symptoms and have generally agreed that the symptoms and clinical findings are real and cannot be easily explained by other known medical conditions. Their expertise lends credibility to the existence of Havana Syndrome as a genuine medical condition.

Biological Plausibility: While the precise mechanism behind Havana Syndrome remains unclear, there are plausible biological explanations, including exposure to toxins or directed energy sources. Research into the effects of directed microwave energy, for example, suggests that it could potentially cause reported symptoms. This theory is considered biologically plausible, as exposure to microwave energy can cause the type of symptoms reported.

In summary, Havana Syndrome exists as a recognized phenomenon characterized by a pattern of unexplained health incidents affecting diplomatic personnel and others. While the precise cause remains unknown, the consistency of reported symptoms, documented medical evaluations, corroboration by experts, government investigations, biological plausibility, international recognition, and ongoing research all contribute to the validity of its existence.

Despite my initial skepticism regarding the so-called "Havana Syndrome," not due to the atrocities that totalitarian regimes such as those in Cuba, Russia, or China can commit, but due to the objective technical difficulty of grouping everything into a nosological entity, I believe it is important to recognize the need for thorough investigation of this phenomenon. The reports of symptoms experienced by those affected are consistent and concerning, and they warrant our attention and study.

As professionals in related fields, we have the responsibility to approach these cases with an open mind and a rigorous scientific focus. Although the name "Havana Syndrome" may be a subject of debate, it provides a starting point for our research and allows us to refer to this set of symptoms in a coherent manner.