Update:
Several online sources reported that KCBS reporter Serene Branson was rushed to a hospital in LA last night where she was diagnosed with a TIA, or what’s known in the medical field as a trans ischemic attack (mini stroke).
A statement posted to KCBS’ website disputes that:
“Serene Branson 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 she says that she is feeling fine this morning.”
According to the LA Times, Branson told network executives that she is “feeling fine” and that there “was no indication of a serious medical problem.”
But it is apparent that Branson suffered a TIA, or mini stroke, during her live broadcast from the Grammy’s for KCBS last night.
She stumbled over her words after beginning by saying “Well, a very, very…,” before mispronouncing the word ‘heavily’.
By downplaying the situation, KCBS missed a great opportunity to inform their viewers about the warning signs of a TIA.
I wrote a Medical Minute post about TIA’s, which you can read here.
A TIA is sometimes referred to as a “warning sign” of an impending stroke. In Branson’s case, the signal from her brain to her mouth was interrupted and she had trouble forming her words.
A TIA is categorized as a mini stroke because the symptoms lasts less than 24 hours. Most TIAs last less than 5 minutes. If the symptoms lasts longer than 24 hours it is referred to as a Cardiovascular Accident (CVA) or stroke. Some people experience a TIA and don’t even know it.
In Branson’s case, she looked anxiously off camera before trying to continue to get the words out.
Originally posted on Feb. 14 @ 4:19 p.m.
