KCBS-TV’s Serene Branson recently shocked some viewers during her live report on “highlights and backstage coverage” of the Grammy award ceremony. By her expression, the reporter knew she was uttering words that made no sense and some medical experts believe she may have suffered a mild stroke.
Neurologists note that strokes can interfere with the brain's ability to recognize and construct words, thus producing the kind of babble viewers witnessed during Branson's report. KCBS released a statement saying that her vital signs were normal, that she was not hospitalized, and that a colleague gave her a ride home as a precautionary measure.
Dysphasia or confused speech can be the result of a number of episodes. Among the most serious would be strokes, vascular spasms and TIA’s (Transient Ischemic Attacks). A TIA is a temporary interruption in blood flow to a particular area of the brain, which in Branson's case could have caused Broca's or Wernicke's Aphasia, resulting in speaking words that have no meaning. After the TIA passes (which could be minutes to hours), the individual can appear completely normal and have no symptoms.
Additional causes would be temporal lobe seizures, heart rhythm disturbances and toxins (including medication and alcohol). The important thing is for Branson to be thoroughly examined so that doctors can rule out any of these more serious conditions. I wish her well and hope to see her back on the air.
For an added perspective, check out this video:
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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