A variety of advanced examinations revealed no brain damage or degeneration among American diplomats and government workers experiencing unexplained health issues previously referred to as “Havana syndrome,” according to a report released Monday by researchers.

The five-year study conducted by the National Institutes of Health does not provide any reasoning for the presence of symptoms such as headaches, balance issues, and cognitive and sleep troubles. These symptoms were initially reported in Cuba in 2016 and have since been reported by numerous American personnel in various countries.

However, it contradicted previous research that suggested the possibility of brain injuries in individuals experiencing what the State Department now refers to as “anomalous health incidents.”

Dr. Leighton Chan, chief of rehabilitation medicine at NIH and a key researcher in this study, expressed empathy for the individuals experiencing real and severe symptoms. He acknowledged the significant impact of these symptoms on their daily lives and recognized the challenges in finding effective treatment options for them.

Advanced MRI scans did not reveal any significant discrepancies in brain size, composition, or white matter, which are indicators of injury or deterioration, when comparing Havana syndrome patients to government employees with similar positions, some of whom worked in the same embassy. Additionally, the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found no noteworthy distinctions in cognitive and other assessments.

The study revealed that although it could not rule out the possibility of a temporary injury at the onset of symptoms, researchers found no long-term indicators on brain scans that are typically seen after a traumatic injury or stroke.

According to Louis French, a neuropsychologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center who treats Havana syndrome, this should provide reassurance for patients. He believes this will enable us to concentrate on the present and returning patients to their normal state.

Approximately 28% of Havana syndrome cases were identified as having persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a balance issue. It is often associated with inner-ear problems and extreme stress, and occurs when specific brain networks do not communicate effectively even in the absence of injury. The condition has been referred to as a “maladaptive response” by the French, similar to how individuals who slouch to relieve back pain can experience ongoing posture issues even after the pain subsides.

Those who experienced the Havana syndrome reported higher levels of fatigue, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and depression.

New discoveries have been made in an attempt to solve the mystery surrounding the situation at the U.S. embassy in Cuba. Staff members at the embassy sought medical treatment for hearing loss and ringing in the ears after experiencing unexpected and strange noises.

Initially, there was worry that Russia or another nation may have deployed directed energy as a means of assaulting American citizens. However, recent reports from U.S. intelligence agencies have indicated that there is no indication of a foreign enemy’s involvement and that a majority of cases appear to have various origins, such as undiagnosed illnesses or environmental circumstances.

Certain individuals have alleged that the government has disregarded their medical conditions. Furthermore, in a publication in JAMA on Monday, a researcher advocated for further investigation to anticipate future health puzzles. It was noted that the NIH’s research method and current limitations in medical technology may have overlooked potential markers.

Dr. David Relman from Stanford University stated that it would be unwise to assume that nothing significant occurred in these cases. In 2022, he was a member of a panel appointed by the government, which could not dismiss the possibility that pulsed energy could be a factor in a certain group of cases.

The research conducted by the NIH in 2018 involving over 80 patients with Havana syndrome was not intended to investigate the potential cause of the symptoms, such as a weapon or other trigger. According to Chan, these results do not contradict the conclusions of intelligence agencies.

According to him, if an external factor caused the symptoms, it did not lead to long-lasting or noticeable physiological changes.

The State Department is currently examining the NIH’s results but their main focus is ensuring that any affected employees or family members are treated with respect and empathy, and receive prompt access to medical care and all entitled benefits.

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This report was aided by AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support for the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is solely responsible for the creation of all content.