Electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a condition in which people attribute symptoms such as headaches or fatigue to electromagnetic-field exposure, although controlled studies have not established a causal link.

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Blinded provocation study: An experiment that exposes participants to a suspected trigger without revealing when exposure occurs. These studies compare reported symptoms during real and sham electromagnetic-field exposure.
Somatic symptom: A bodily symptom, such as pain or fatigue, that may occur with or without an identified disease. The reported experiences are real symptoms even when their proposed cause is unconfirmed.
Clinical assessment: The evaluation of symptoms, health history, and possible causes to guide diagnosis and care. Assessment can investigate symptoms and treat identifiable conditions without presuming electromagnetic causation.
Electromagnetic interference: The disruption of electronic equipment or signals by unwanted electromagnetic energy. It is a measurable effect on devices, not evidence that fields cause reported symptoms.
Nocebo effect: The worsening or emergence of symptoms driven by negative expectations rather than a harmful exposure. It can explain symptoms that arise when participants believe electromagnetic fields are present.
Electromagnetic radiation: Energy transmitted through space by oscillating electric and magnetic fields, including radio waves and visible light. Some suspected sources emit radiation, but the term covers a broad physical spectrum.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: A structured psychotherapy that targets links among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It has been studied as support for distress and disability associated with attributed sensitivity.
Microwave auditory effect: The perception of clicks or buzzing caused by pulsed radiofrequency energy interacting with auditory structures. This specific, limited phenomenon differs from the broad symptoms attributed to ordinary exposures.
Electromagnetic field: A physical field produced by electric charges and currents, including both electric and magnetic components. The attributed trigger spans fields from everyday electrical and wireless sources.
Radiofrequency radiation: Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation used for wireless communication, generally spanning 3 kHz to 300 GHz. Wireless devices are frequent suspected sources of exposure.