Stuttering and Squinting During Live Broadcast... What Happened to the Minister?

Serbian Minister Collapses and Hospitalized... Diagnosed with Stroke
Three-Hour Golden Window... Seek Immediate Medical Attention if Symptoms Appear

A Serbian minister exhibited symptoms of stuttering and facial paralysis during a live interview, which was broadcast on air. He was transported to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a stroke.

Darko Grlisic, Minister of Public Investment of Serbia, appeared on a live news program the previous day and suddenly began to speak slurredly and stammer during an interview with the hosts. In the video capturing the moment, Minister Grlisic cleared his throat and tried to continue speaking, but his speech became more slurred. His face showed signs of facial paralysis as he squinted his left eye. He was eventually diagnosed with a stroke. Gazeta Express

According to Balkan news outlet Gazeta Express and Serbian media outlet Blic on August 6 (local time), Darko Grlisic, Serbia's Minister of Public Investment, appeared on a live news program the previous day and suddenly began to slur his speech and stammer during an interview with the hosts. In the video capturing the moment, Minister Grlisic cleared his throat and tried to continue speaking, but his speech became even more slurred. His face showed signs of facial paralysis as he squinted his left eye.

The live broadcast was eventually interrupted, and Minister Grlisic subsequently lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital. After being diagnosed with a stroke, he underwent emergency surgery, but it was reported that his condition remains critical.

Zlatibor Loncar, Serbia's Minister of Health, explained, "A combination of thrombosis and hemorrhage made for a difficult surgery," adding, "He is currently in serious condition, and the next 24 hours are critical."

Darko Grlisic, Minister of Public Investment of Serbia, appeared on a live news program the day before and suddenly began to slur his speech and stutter during an interview with the hosts. In the video capturing the moment, Minister Grlisic tried to continue speaking after clearing his throat, but his speech became more slurred. His face showed signs of facial paralysis as he squinted his left eye. He was eventually diagnosed with a stroke. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter)

A stroke refers to a neurological disorder that occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), causing damage to the brain. The main symptoms of stroke include: paralysis, numbness, or loss of sensation in one arm or leg (hemiparesis); slurred speech or difficulty understanding others (speech impairment); loss of vision in one eye or double vision (visual disturbance); and severe headache or dizziness that feels like being struck by lightning or a hammer. In some cases, these symptoms may improve on their own within a few minutes or hours, but even in such cases, there is a risk of recurrence, so it is important to go to the hospital immediately.

These symptoms, as in Minister Grlisic's case, can appear suddenly, making time a critical factor. If a stroke is suspected, it is essential to seek medical attention without delay. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the golden window for stroke treatment is three hours; if the patient arrives at the hospital within this period, a thrombolytic agent can be administered intravenously to dissolve the blocked blood vessel. Prompt administration of a thrombolytic agent or direct surgical removal of the clot from the artery can enable a return to normal life. Even if a disability remains, early rehabilitation can minimize aftereffects.

Meanwhile, Minister Grlisic also serves as the executive director of the ruling Progressive Party in Serbia and is a close associate of President Aleksandar Vucic. President Vucic posted a photo with Minister Grlisic on his social media account, expressing his support. He also shared a video message, stating, "Minister Grlisic is doing better. Thank you for your concern."