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!
