Diagnosing Anomalous Health Incidents

 Anomalous Health Incidents

Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI), commonly referred to as Havana Syndrome in the media, remain an emerging health and readiness concern for the Department of Defense (DOD). Many reported symptoms are similar to those of traumatic brain injury. But others, including unexplained sensory events just before onset of symptoms, haven't been associated with any specific medical condition. 

While our understanding of the causes and prognosis of AHI is evolving, there's a clear need for a systematic approach to evaluating reported cases. DHA has developed an AHI-specific, multi-domain clinical tool, Anomalous Health Incident (AHI) Acute Assessment (DHA Form 244), to be used by MHS providers in the initial evaluation of adult patients with suspected AHI within seven days of potential exposure.

TBICoE has developed a training for MHS providers on Anomalous Health Incident Acute Assessment. This training will introduce learners to AHI and review assessment and treatment strategies.

It is anticipated further guidance will evolve after continued review and analysis of clinical data. The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence will continue to update this page with clinical provider guidance accordingly. The Updated Guidance for Evaluation of Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) Memo and the DHA Form 244 can be found on DHA's intranet, Inside DHAGo to Inside DHA intranet site, CAC required. CAC required. 

Last Updated: March 29, 2023

Military Health System

However, different rules continue to apply to civilians who may have similar symptoms, as Dr. Baloh explains in this video with TRTWORLD