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A massive stroke left a man partially paralyzed. His wife's response led to "a miracle" recovery.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Todd Meiklejohn, a fit adult education teacher in his mid-50s, suffered a massive stroke on August 8, 2025, experiencing sudden paralysis and vision loss on his right side.
- His wife found him about 45 minutes after he fell and called 911; he was rushed to Miami Neuroscience Institute where doctors performed a mechanical thrombectomy just 38 minutes after the call, significantly limiting brain damage.
- Doctors discovered Meiklejohn had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a heart defect allowing a blood clot to travel to his brain and cause the stroke, a rare but serious complication.
- Meiklejohn underwent a successful procedure to close the PFO, greatly reducing his risk of another stroke, and has since made a remarkable recovery, returning to work in four weeks and completing a 100-mile bike ride two months later.
- He emphasizes the importance of rapid stroke treatment and raising awareness, noting how crucial his wife's timely return was to his survival and recovery.
