'DWTS' Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Details 'Scary' In-Flight Medical Emergency
Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba was hospitalized after experiencing an in-flight medical emergency.
"Yesterday was quite a day. I was on my way to NY for something I am very passionate about. But had a small ‘medical emergency' on the plane," Inaba, 58, captioned an Instagram video on Thursday, April 16. "I very suddenly felt quite ill. And while it seemed like food poisoning, I also suddenly broke out into a cold sweat, got dizzy and my arms went numb."
Inaba said she's "normally" one to handle health issues on her own - but this time was different.
"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," she continued. "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. 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 continued the story in the comments section of her Instagram post, which included a video of her sitting in the back of an ambulance and at the hospital.
"I wanted to thank all the people who helped me yesterday. Thank you to the the [sic] flight attendant who answered when I pushed the call button while locked in the bathroom," she wrote. "While the plane was experiencing some turbulence and she was supposed to be sitting down herself. She immediately knew I was in trouble and needed medical attention."
Inaba also told followers that two doctors assisted her on the flight and "put me at ease," going on to thank her team and all the passengers on the plane.
"I ultimately left the ER to go back to my hotel when I felt stable enough," she concluded. "I'm always thankful for the moments that scare or challenge me, especially with my health. They remind me that while I often face my health challenges alone, I am not alone. None of us are. The helpers are everywhere."
Inaba has been candid about her health struggles throughout her time in the public eye. She's been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Inaba shared another update after her in-flight health scare, telling USA Today that she's "resting up."
"I was dizzy, nauseous, very warm and my arms started feeling numb," Inaba told the outlet in a statement. "I received some assistance on the plane from the flight crew and a doctor onboard, which I am very thankful for, and went to the hospital upon landing, as well as received fluids."
She added, "I'm so grateful to the people who took care of me and helped me through such a scary experience."
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:05 AM.