Serene Branson's doctor says she didn't suffer a stroke

The mystery behind CBS Los Angeles reporter Serene Branson's on-air stumble was finally revealed today by her doctor: She suffered a "complex migraine."

Branson made headlines earlier this week when her 'stroke' video went viral. Many criticized her employer for letting her go home without a visit to the emergency room.

Dr. Neil Martin, chief of neurosurgery at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center said that complex migraines are often confused with strokes because both affect brain function. Complex migraines are often accompanied by loss of vision, slurred speech and weakness, along with the headache.

Medical experts aren't 100 percent certain what causes complex migraines, but they're thought to be the result when blood vessels suddenly narrow or spasm in the brain before re-expanding. The spasm phase is when the stroke-like symptoms develop, according to Dr. Martin.

It's great to hear that Branson didn't actually suffer a stroke – many women were scared that it could happen to them since Branson appears both young and energetic.

We're glad that her situation ended well, but Branson's stroke false alarm serves as a reminder to always seek medical attention if you notice health symptoms out of the ordinary – like slurred speech and loss of vision. The outcome for Branson, unfortunately, could have been much different.

Watch Serene Branson's scary 'stroke' video

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