Dr Michael Valente

Migraine & Headache

Specialist assessment, diagnosis, and management of migraine and other primary and secondary headache disorders.

Migraine is far more than a bad headache. It is a common, disabling neurological disorder that can include throbbing head pain, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, visual or sensory aura, and significant disruption to work, study, and family life. For many people, headache is part of a wider neurological pattern that benefits from specialist review.

Dr Valente assesses adults with episodic migraine, chronic migraine, medication-overuse headache, and other headache disorders, and develops individualised acute and preventive treatment plans.

Headache Disorders Assessed

• Episodic migraine, with or without aura
• Chronic migraine (15 or more headache days per month)
• Vestibular migraine
• Menstrual and hormonally-linked migraine
• Tension-type headache
• Cluster headache and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias
• Medication-overuse headache
• New daily persistent headache
• Post-traumatic headache following concussion
• Secondary headaches requiring further investigation

Headache Warning Signs

Some headaches need urgent assessment rather than outpatient review. Seek emergency care if a headache is:

• Sudden and severe ("thunderclap") — reaching peak intensity within seconds to minutes
• Associated with fever, neck stiffness, rash, or confusion
• Accompanied by new neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or visual loss
• Following a significant head injury
• The "first or worst" headache of your life

If in doubt, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

A migraine and headache consultation usually involves:

• A detailed headache history, including frequency, duration, triggers, and associated symptoms
• Review of current and previous medications, including over-the-counter analgesics
• A focused neurological examination
• Review of any prior brain imaging
• Discussion of further investigations only where clinically indicated
• An individualised treatment plan covering both acute attack management and, where appropriate, preventive therapy

Keeping a headache diary in the weeks before your appointment — including frequency, severity, triggers, and medications used — is one of the most useful things you can do.

Treatment Approaches

Migraine treatment is tailored to attack frequency, severity, comorbidities, and patient preferences. Options that may be considered include:

• Acute therapies — simple analgesics, triptans, anti-emetics, and gepants
• Preventive medications — including beta-blockers, candesartan, topiramate, amitriptyline, and other established options
• CGRP-targeted therapies — monoclonal antibodies and oral gepants for eligible patients with chronic or refractory migraine
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) for chronic migraine in suitable patients meeting PBS criteria
• Lifestyle and trigger management — sleep, hydration, regular meals, exercise, stress management, and avoidance of medication overuse
• Co-management with GPs, psychologists, physiotherapists, and other specialists when needed

Trusted Resources

Reputable Australian organisations providing patient information and support for migraine and headache.

• Migraine & Headache Australia — the national peak body (a division of the Brain Foundation) providing patient information, the National Headache Register, and research updates.
• Migraine Australia — national patient advocacy organisation with practical resources and CGRP treatment guidance.
• Brain Foundation — Migraine — Australian research and information across neurological conditions.
• healthdirect Australia — Migraine — national government health information service.

Referrals & Bookings

A current GP or specialist referral is required for Medicare rebates. Please include a summary of treatments tried to date so your appointment can be used efficiently.

To arrange an appointment, visit the Bookings page or get in touch via Contact.

This is general information only and not a substitute for individual medical advice.
All referrals will be reviewed when received and triaged appropriately.