Stroke Plus PFO - Next Step

Hello all, I am a new member and looking for advice.

A week ago I had a stroke (at age 46), due to a blood clot in my MCA. Complete paralysis on my left side. I have since regained motion and sensation, etc. and I am doing well. I am healthy, exercise, have cholesteral of 130 and no other conditions which would pre-dispose me to a stroke.

A TEE was done, which found a large PFO (all the bubbles shunted across to the other atrium).
The physicians theorize that I had a DVT that shunted across my atrium and went up to the brain.


At this point, my cardiologist recommends that I follow up with a stroke expert, others are claiming I should see a cardiac surgeon. I am not sure what is the next step and would like advice from anyone else here. It is my understanding that I will need to decide between Surgery and/or a drug regiment.

From my review online, it appears that there is no clear cut answer as to which is better - closing the hole or proceeding with drug therapy. I'd love to hear what people in my situation have chosen, and why.


Finally, I am in north jersey and NYC is easy for me to get to. IF anyone has a recommendation for a doctor, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.