My weirdest Christmas: on Boxing Day I vomited in the sink
At first I thought my spinning head and nausea were symptoms of a hangover. But could they be connected to a documentary I had made on Havana syndrome?
TL;DR
- The author experienced severe vertigo on December 26th, two years prior to writing the article.
- The author was working on a BBC Sounds podcast documentary about Havana syndrome, which involves mystery brain injuries affecting diplomats.
- Symptoms of Havana syndrome include piercing sounds, headaches, dizziness, and lasting brain trauma, with speculation involving Russian microwave weapons.
- The author had recently listened to a neurologist discuss how awareness of bodily sensations can lead to over-focus and perceived symptoms.
- The author wondered if their own sickness was psychosomatic, a result of their deep immersion in researching Havana syndrome.
- The doctor diagnosed vertigo, prescribed medication, and mentioned vestibular physiotherapy as a potential treatment if it recurred.
- The author recovered but reflected on how individuals affected by Havana syndrome might become consumed by the need to understand their illness.
- The author concluded it was better to be grateful for their recovery and not 'go down the rabbit hole' of trying to definitively link their illness to their work.