The Brief
- A 20-year-old USF biomedical student survived a stroke caused by a rare heart condition.
- Doctors say quick action at a Brandon hospital cleared the clot and prevented further brain damage.
- Gabby Melo continued her biochemistry studies from her hospital bed and is now recovering at home.
BRANDON, Fla. – A 20-year-old USF student who survived a rare stroke that was caused by a rare heart condition returned home following weeks of intensive treatment and rehabilitation at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital.
Sudden morning medical emergency
What we know:
Gabby Melo is a third-year biomedical sciences student at the University of South Florida who plans to become an emergency room doctor. She was folding laundry early in the morning on June 1 when sudden dizziness caused her to collapse.
“I fell onto the floor, and suddenly I couldn’t use my right arm or my right leg,” Melo said.
Her aunt discovered her face down and unable to speak, prompting an immediate 911 call. Medical experts stress that this rapid response was vital for her survival.…