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News

Did Local Reporter Have a Stroke On-Air?

serene_branson_headshot_090925.jpg
Branson's CBS2 Headshot

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Local CBS affiliate KCBS-2's update yesterday regarding the condition of reporter Serene Branson after her now-world famous linguistic fumble during a live segment about the Grammy Awards does little to resolve the viewers' question: What really happened?In an addendum to the Emmy-nominated LA native's bio page on the CBS Los Angeles website, Branson's condition indicates there was no urgent medical trauma, however it does not explain why she lost the ability to form words and sentences:

She was examined by paramedics on scene immediately after her broadcast. Her vital signs were normal. She was not hospitalized. As a precautionary measure, a colleague gave her a ride home. And while Serene says she is feeling better today, she wants us to know she followed-up with a visit to the doctor for some medical tests.

Serene thanks everyone for their concern and good wishes and hopes to be back on the air very soon.

The statement was read aloud on evening news broadcasts yesterday, with anchors adding in well-wishes for their colleague.Some speculate, however, that Branson suffered what's called
a "transient ischemic attack" which is "an episode in which a person has stroke -like symptoms for up to 1-2 hours." Such an episode "is often considered a warning sign that a true stroke may happen in the future if something is not done to prevent it." Some have also speculated it could have been related to a migraine headache.

Branson has told her employers she does not have a medical condition, but it is not known when she will resume work at CBS2.

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