Carrie Ann Inaba, a longtime judge on “Dancing With the Stars,” was taken to the hospital after experiencing a medical emergency while on a flight to New York City, according to statements she shared publicly, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Inaba, 58, detailed the incident in an Instagram post on April 16, explaining that she became suddenly ill while traveling.
The television personality said the situation escalated quickly during the flight, prompting her to seek assistance after initially trying to manage the symptoms on her own.
“Yesterday was quite a day,” Inaba wrote alongside a video showing her being transported in an ambulance.
“I was on my way to NY for something I am very passionate about. But had a small ‘medical emergency’ on the plane.”
She described the onset of symptoms as abrupt and concerning. “I very suddenly felt quite ill,” Inaba said.
“And while it seemed like food poisoning, I also suddenly broke out into a cold sweat, got dizzy and my arms went numb.”
Inaba has previously spoken about living with Sjogren’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that can produce a range of symptoms.
Despite her experience managing ongoing health challenges, she said this episode stood out as different from prior incidents.
“Normally I handle most of my health things on my own,” she explained.
“Like many people who live with autoimmune disease, I travel with a health tool kit and am prepared for the worst, but this scared me.”
According to her account, the situation was complicated by conditions onboard the aircraft.
She said turbulence occurred while she was in the restroom, limiting the ability of flight attendants to assist immediately.
“And while I was locked in the restroom, we were also experiencing turbulence and the flight attendants had been asked to sit in their seats as well,” Inaba added.
“I didn’t want to have anyone else put themselves at risk … but when my arms went numb, it was time to ask for help.”
Inaba said assistance came from both the flight crew and a medical professional onboard the aircraft.
“I received some assistance on the plane from the flight crew and a doctor onboard,” she shared in a statement to USA Today.
“Which I am very thankful for, and went to the hospital upon landing, as well as received fluids.”
Once the plane landed, paramedics transported her to a hospital for further evaluation.
Inaba said she was treated and later released.
In her Instagram post, she credited first responders for their response during the incident.
She said they “treated me with care and respect in a scary moment even when my blood pressure dropped.”
After receiving treatment, Inaba returned to her hotel, where she continued recovering.
“I’m resting up and looking forward to getting back into my advocacy work soon,” she shared.
“I’m so grateful to the people who took care of me and helped me through such a scary experience.”
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Inaba has served as a judge on “Dancing With the Stars” since 2005.
She is expected to participate in the inaugural “Dancing with the Stars Con 26” this summer, an event centered around the long-running television competition.