Havana mysteryMedical problems of U.S. Havana embassy personnel explained
A medical team has released the first report of acute symptoms and clinical findings in 25 personnel living in the U.S. Embassy in Havana. The researchers did not attempt to determine the cause of the symptoms in the U.S. Embassy residents, the authors noted that intense ultrasonic radiation can produce “a syndrome involving manifestations of nausea, headache, tinnitus, pain, dizziness, and fatigue,” based on occupational health literature.
A team of University of Miami Miller School of Medicine faculty, along with collaborators from the University of Pittsburgh, today presented the first report of acute symptoms and clinical findings in 25 diplomatic personnel living in the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, who experienced severe neurosensory symptoms after exposure to a unique sound and pressure phenomenon.
“Objective testing showed evidence of a balance disorder that affects the inner ear and a unique pattern of cognitive and behavioral dysfunction,” said Dr. Michael E. Hoffer, professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery. “This cluster of auditory and neurological symptoms, along with associated psychological issues, does not resemble more classic traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on our team’s vast experience in this area.”
Hoffer was lead author of the study, “Acute Findings in an Acquired Neurosensory Dysfunction,” just published in the journal Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. Miami notes that the Miller School study included a review of 25 individuals at the U.S. Embassy who reported a localized sensation of noise/pressure and 10 individuals who were roommates of those affected and did not experience the phenomenon.
“This is the first and only report of the acute presentation (seen shortly after exposure) in this unique group of patients,” said Hoffer. “Our findings are not biased or influenced by the effects of time, variable amounts of rehabilitation, workers compensation concerns, or media attention. It is an important contribution to this field, and these data will provide further insights into determining what happened.”
Carey D. Balaban, professor of otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was co-author of the study, along with the Miller School’s Hillary Snapp, associate professor of otolaryngology and chief of Audiology; Bonnie E. Levin, professor of neurology and director of the Division of Neuropsychology; and doctoral student James Buskirk.
“Understanding the acute symptoms is important in order to better define the clinical presentation which we hope will lead to more accurate diagnosis in future cases,” said Levin. “Furthermore, careful documentation of the initial injury pattern is needed to develop effective preventive and treatment strategies. We believe our findings bring to light the complexity of the acute clinical picture which is best addressed by a team of researchers.”
