Update: Grammy reporter 'feeling fine' after garbled speech

Share

A video clip of a CBS reporter's incomprehensible speech at the Grammy Awards last night is making its way around the Internet, leaving many viewers flabbergasted at her stumbling on-air performance.

The video of the tongue-tied Serene Branson has been posted on YouTube under titles, such as, "Serene Branson Epic Fail," "Hilarious CBS-LA Reporter, Serene Branson," and "Grammy Reporter Serene Branson Forgets English."

Update: Initial news reports quickly put a stop to the online ridicule with concerns she had suffered a stroke, but according to a statement on the CBS Los Angeles web site , Ms. Branson is now "feeling fine."

Earlier reports had said Ms. Branson was sent to hospital for tests, and even CBS News questioned whether the reporter from the network's Los Angeles affiliate had "a stroke, a strange slip of the tongue or something else?"

CBS Los Angeles, however, said Ms. Branson was not hospitalized. The brief statement did not offer an explanation for the reporter's unusual behaviour.

"Serene Branson was examined by paramedics on scene immediately after her broadcast. Her vital signs were normal," it said. "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."

Certainly, her performance was uncharacteristic of the two-time Emmy nominated reporter.

Strokes can cause sudden speech problems by disrupting the brain's ability to recognize and form words, or preventing facial muscles to work properly.

Early diagnosis is critical, which is why health professionals often emphasize the importance of recognizing the warning signs of stroke.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, these following five symptoms may be signs of a stroke:

1. Weakness: Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary

2. Trouble speaking: Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary

3. Vision problems: Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary

4. Headache: Sudden severe and unusual headache

5. Dizziness: Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs