Could Pulsed Microwaves Explain Havana Syndrome's Neurological Effects?

Havana syndrome, also called anomalous health incidents, involves sudden vertigo, headaches, tinnitus, insomnia, and cognitive difficulties resembling mild traumatic brain injury. Expert panels have judged pulsed microwaves the most plausible cause, though the injury mechanism remains unproven. The article argues that if this explanation is correct, current wireless radiation safety limits may need to be lowered.

Anomalous health incidents, often called Havana syndrome, have been reported by U.S. national security personnel. Symptoms can begin suddenly with vertigo, headache, and loud sounds, then persist as balance problems, tinnitus, insomnia, and cognitive difficulties. Clinicians have noted similarities to concussion or mild traumatic brain injury.

Two expert panels, including the National Academy of Sciences and the Intelligence Community, judged pulsed microwaves the most plausible cause. Such pulses may generate brain shockwaves through rapid local heating, producing clicks, hisses, hums, buzzes, or tones. The article's authors have interviewed victims, advised government, and are running RF, thermal, and finite-element simulations of the head, brain, and inner ear.