CNN weekend anchor Poppy Harlow apparently suffered a Transient ischemic attack (TIA) — also known as a mini stroke — while reporting live on the air Monday morning.
Harlow, who is pregnant, was reporting on the war on terrorism when she suddenly began slurring her words. CNN quickly cut to a commercial.
When she returned, Harlow explained that she “got a little hot” — in CNN’s air conditioned newsroom — and “I passed out for a moment.”
She added, “I am fine.”
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 realize it.
Harlow’s health scare is eerily similar to Serene Branson, a reporter for CBS News Los Angeles affiliate CBS2/KCAL9, who also suffered a mini stroke while live on the air in 2011.
CBS initially downplayed Branson’s ministroke in 2011 — just as Harlow is doing now.
CBS said Branson had “no indication of serious medical problems” after she slurred her words live on air.
But, after receiving backlash from neurosurgeons, CBS backtracked, saying Branson “followed up with a visit to the doctor for medical tests.”
Watch the videos below.
POPPY HARLOW SLURS HER WORDS AND PASSES OUT ON THE AIR
SERENE BRANSON SLURS HER WORDS LIVE ON THE AIR
