Women represented the majority of respondents in three national online surveys conducted by the Direct Energy Weapons Agency, Inc. (DEWA) as part of its first annual Civilian Count initiative, the nonprofit announced. The surveys, held from March 24 to October 22, 2026, found that women accounted for 61.5% of participants in the Havana Syndrome Civilian Survey, 52.7% in the Neurological Symptoms Survey, and 60.0% in the Decision-Making Survey. The gender disparity is notable because it suggests that women may be disproportionately affected by or more likely to report unexplained neurological symptoms, which DEWA says warrants further investigation.
The Neurological Symptoms Survey yielded striking findings: 91.1% of respondents reported sudden ear or head ringing, buzzing, or pressure; 78.0% received no explanation for their symptoms; 78.8% sought medical care; and 91.9% reported disruptions to work, sleep, or daily activities. These figures underscore the severe impact of these symptoms on individuals' lives and the medical community's current inability to provide answers. DEWA is calling for expanded baseline neurological and cognitive testing, increased medical awareness of Havana Syndrome-type symptoms, and appropriate medical evaluations before premature diagnostic conclusions.
This matters because Havana Syndrome—a set of symptoms including ear ringing, pressure, and cognitive issues—has been reported by U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers but remains poorly understood. The new data from civilian populations suggest the phenomenon may be broader than previously recognized. The high percentage of respondents who sought medical care but received no explanation points to a gap in medical knowledge and access. DEWA's advocacy for baseline testing could help establish whether individuals have pre-existing conditions or if symptoms are new, aiding in more accurate diagnoses.
The Civilian Count initiative collects voluntary reports of unexplained neurological, cognitive, sensory, and related symptoms to support medical awareness, research discussions, and improved access to healthcare resources. The surveys were conducted through online participation via Zoho Surveys, with outreach through social media, and recorded 354 total submissions. DEWA acknowledges that the surveys used limited, self-selected samples and that reported symptoms were not independently medically verified; findings reflect the experiences of participating respondents. The organization plans to conduct these surveys annually to support research and advocate for improved healthcare resources. For more information, visit www.CivilianCount.org.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual suffering. If a significant portion of the population experiences unexplained neurological symptoms that disrupt daily life, there could be broader economic and social costs. DEWA's call for increased medical awareness and baseline testing is a step toward addressing these gaps. The gender disparity also raises questions about biological or environmental factors that may make women more susceptible or more likely to seek help. As the first annual survey, these results establish a baseline for future comparisons and highlight the need for continued data collection and research.
