Medical team reports acute findings from Havana embassy phenomenon

"Objective testing showed evidence of a balance disorder that affects the inner ear and a unique pattern of cognitive and behavioral dysfunction," said Michael E. Hoffer, M.D., 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."

Dr. Hoffer was lead author of the study, "Acute Findings in an Acquired Neurosensory Dysfunction," published today in the peer-reviewed journal Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 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 Dr. 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, Ph.D., professor of otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was co-author of the study, along with the Miller School's Hillary Snapp, Au.D, Ph.D., associate professor of otolaryngology and chief of Audiology; Bonnie E. Levin, Ph.D., professor of neurology and director of the Division of Neuropsychology; and James Buskirk, PT, SCS, a doctoral student.

"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 Dr. 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."

The collaborative study shows the power of a large interdisciplinary team that spans specialties and universities," said Dr. Balaban, who has studied the circuits to the brain relating to balance disorders, anxiety and migraines in patients at the University of Pittsburgh. "A holistic integrative approach is vital for understanding the scientific basis of this complex disorder."

"This is a perfect example of how academic medicine brings together expertise and collaboration in the name of discovery and science," said Henri R. Ford, M.D., MHA, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medicine.

The onset of symptoms

Beginning in late 2016 and continuing into 2017, a number of U.S. diplomats and family members stationed in Havana, Cuba began to report complaints of sudden-onset dizziness, ear pain, and tinnitus. Most of the affected individuals reported hearing an unexplained noise before the symptoms began. They noted the sound was loud, localized, at a high frequency and could follow them throughout a room. Several individuals reported that if they went outside their front door, the noise immediately stopped. Others reported a sensation of pressure passing through their head and abdomen in certain parts of the room that could be relieved by moving a few feet away.

In February 2017, Dr. Hoffer, a former military officer with security clearance, was contacted by the U.S. State Department about an individual who reported hearing an odd noise followed by intense ear pain and tinnitus. By the next morning, the individual was dizzy and had mild cognitive issues, such as processing emails slowly and forgetfulness.

Evaluating the cases

Over the next few months, the Miller School team conducted evaluations of all individuals who suspected they were affected between 4 and 60 days after exposure, as well as a larger group of 105 embassy workers who denied any "exposure" to noise or a pressure sensation.

The evaluations were carefully coordinated and conducted by multidisciplinary medical teams from otolaryngology and neurology. "Our broadly scoped team of 15 audiology and neurotology specialists draws on our advanced vestibular testing technology for diagnosis and treatment and management, thanks to the Miller School's longstanding investment in our clinical program," said Dr. Snapp.

All of the 25 individuals with symptoms noticed unsteadiness and features of cognitive impairment, according to the study. Dizziness (92 percent) and cognitive complaints (56 percent) were the most common symptoms. Formal testing revealed that 100 percent of individuals had an otolithic (balance) abnormality and evidence of cognitive dysfunction, as documented by a battery of standardized measures.

After the evaluations, a number of the patients were treated for balance, cognitive and emotional disorders. "We reviewed options for therapeutic interventions to address their physical, mental and emotional issues," said Dr. Levin.

Considering the cause

While the Miller School study did not attempt to determine the cause of the symptoms in these 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. "The exposure responsible for these findings is unknown," said the co-authors. "It would be imprudent to exclude any potential directed or non-directed energy sources at this time."

In their study, the authors recognized Kurt Yankaskas, program manager at the Office of Naval Research, for comments helping to clarify the work; Alexander Kiderman, Ph.D., chief technology officer at NKI, for designing the software and hardware used to analyze these patients; Constanza Pelusso, M.D., research director in the Department of Otolaryngology, for her help in filing all necessary patient research forms and reports; and Danierys Font for her assistance in scheduling all of the patients.

They also thanked Fred Telischi, M.D., MEE, professor and chair of the Department of Otolaryngology, Anthony Etzel, M.D., vice chair of administration in the Department of Otolaryngology, and Ralph Sacco, M.D., MS, professor and chair of the Department of Neurology, as well as the audiologists, nurses and staff of the Department of Otolaryngology for their assistance in caring for these individuals.