Surviving Stroke: Todd Meiklejohn's Journey to Recovery
Todd Meiklejohn's day took a sudden turn on August 8, 2025, when he experienced a massive stroke. The accomplished athlete and biker found himself paralyzed on his right side, struggling to stand and move. Fortunately, his wife discovered him and called 911, leading to his prompt treatment at Miami Neuroscience Institute at Baptist Health. Dr. Guilherme Dabus performed a mechanical thrombectomy to remove a clot, restoring blood flow to Meiklejohn's brain and minimizing permanent damage. Thanks to the swift medical intervention, Meiklejohn was able to speak and move shortly after the surgery and was discharged from the hospital within 48 hours.
Following the successful surgery, doctors investigated the cause of Meiklejohn's stroke. Despite his good health and fitness, they discovered a heart defect called PFO, which allowed a clot to travel to his brain. This rare condition, where a small opening in the heart doesn't seal properly, can increase the risk of stroke by providing a pathway for clots to reach the brain. Meiklejohn underwent a procedure to close the PFO, significantly reducing the likelihood of another stroke.
In the year since his stroke, Meiklejohn has focused on his recovery, rebuilding his endurance and muscle tone. He returned to work and even completed a 100-mile bike ride two months after the stroke. While he still bears physical scars from the experience, Meiklejohn remains vigilant about his health, monitoring his blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the importance of timely medical intervention and the support of his loved ones in his remarkable recovery.