Hip-hop star Nate Dogg has been left paralyzed down one side of his body after suffering a mild stroke during the holiday season. The Next Episode singer - real name Nathaniel Hale, the cousin of Snoop Dogg - was admitted to Pomona Valley Hospital in California last month following the cerebrovascular accident at his home on December 20.

But the illness has resulted in the 39-year-old being unable to move the left side of his body, and he is now recovering in an occupational rehab facility.

His representative, Rod McGrew, tells MTV.com, "Time will tell everything, obviously. The doctor can only guess what the outcome will be. But based on situations with similar people his age, and based on his health, the prognosis is good right now."

According to McGrew, Hale did not suffer any brain damage from the stroke and his vocal chords have not been affected.

McGrew also took the opportunity to hit out at people who have made fun of the supposedly relaxed 911 call, which was posted on website TMZ.com earlier this week, adding: "I'm not sure what people are tying to glean from that tape. The diagnosis is what it is, and the prognosis is what it is: He had a stroke. The media wants to create something, but I'm not sure what the point is. If you had an emergency and someone was in your presence they would call 911. I'm not in a situation to see who is doing what, but rather tending to (Nate) and making sure he gets back on track."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)