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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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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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