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CBS Reporter Serene Branson Suffered Complex Migraine
If, like us, you were left a bit unsettled by vague reports that Serene Branson, the CBS reporter who stumbled over her words during a live, post-Grammy broadcast, was "feeling fine" after what appeared to be a serious medical event, you'll be reassured to know that she is indeed OK, and did not suffer a stroke.
Instead, Branson had a complex migraine, according to her physician, Dr. Neil Martin, chief of neurosurgery at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The LA Times reports:
A complex migraine can mimic the symptoms of a stroke, with weakness, loss of vision and difficulty speaking, in addition to a headache. It is often mistaken for a stroke.
The on-air gaffe was disconcerting to say the least, and follow-up reports that Branson had been examined by paramedics and sent along her merry way did little to clear up the confusion. We wish Branson a speedy recovery, and are glad she got the medical care she needed!
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Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
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