Unraveling a Christmas Mystery: From Holiday Cheer to Vertigo

Waking up on December 26, 2021, in Dublin, I found myself grappling with a spinning room and a growing sense of nausea. Initially, I attributed these symptoms to the typical overindulgence associated with Christmas festivities. However, as the hours passed and my condition worsened, I realized something more troubling was at play.

Family members entered my childhood bedroom, expressing concern over my well-being. Despite my attempts to assure them I was fine, I soon joined them in the kitchen, only to vomit in the sink moments later. This incident marked the beginning of a challenging day filled with repeated episodes of nausea. Seeking relief, I consulted a local doctor who diagnosed me with vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness and nausea often linked to inner ear problems.

The diagnosis was particularly ironic as I was concurrently producing a podcast documentary for BBC Sounds titled Havana Helmet Club. This project investigated the perplexing case of Havana syndrome, a phenomenon that emerged in 2016, affecting CIA agents and US embassy staff in Cuba and beyond. Individuals affected by this syndrome reported sudden and unexplained symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea, following exposure to unusual sounds.

There was rampant speculation about the causes, with theories ranging from foreign microwave weapons to simple misinterpretations of environmental noises. Politicians, scientists, and diplomats debated the legitimacy of these claims, while medical professionals suggested that psychological factors could also contribute to such intense physical reactions.

Before my own health scare, I had listened to a neurologist discuss how awareness of specific bodily sensations can lead to heightened focus and anxiety. For instance, being informed of a family history of heart disease might make someone hyper-aware of their own heart rate. Reflecting on this, I wondered if my own symptoms could be linked to my recent deep dive into the mysteries surrounding Havana syndrome.

In my disoriented state, I shared these thoughts with my doctor, not suggesting a connection to international espionage but rather questioning whether my mind could manifest physical illness based on what I had learned. The doctor assured me that my experiences were not unusual and prescribed medication, which would alleviate my symptoms within a week. Should vertigo strike again, she advised, I might require vestibular physiotherapy.

In a matter of days, the medication worked, and my symptoms subsided. However, my brief struggle with vertigo led me to empathize with those affected by Havana syndrome. Many of them not only required medical attention but also grappled with the unanswered questions surrounding their conditions.

While my episode was a relatively minor inconvenience, it served as a reminder of how quickly one’s health can decline without warning. The causes of vertigo can vary widely, ranging from changes in position—like standing up too quickly—to more serious underlying health issues. As people age, they may find such conditions becoming more common.

Reflecting on my experience, I felt a sense of gratitude that my bout of illness occurred the day after the festive celebrations. Although the medication restricted me to non-alcoholic “champagne” on New Year’s Eve, it felt a small price to pay for a return to good health. This experience reinforced the importance of appreciating the moments of joy during the holiday season, even when unexpected challenges arise.