Dr Michael Valente

Stroke Care

Comprehensive assessment, prevention, and ongoing management of stroke and related cerebrovascular conditions.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked artery (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). Even brief interruptions, known as transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), are warning events that need urgent neurological assessment.

Dr Valente provides specialist neurological care across the full stroke pathway — from acute review and diagnostic workup through to secondary prevention and long-term follow-up — working alongside your GP, cardiologist, and rehabilitation team.

Suspected Stroke is a Medical Emergency

If you or someone you are with shows signs of stroke, call 000 immediately. Time-critical treatment can dramatically reduce long-term disability.

Recognise stroke with F.A.S.T.:

• Face — has the face drooped on one side?
• Arms — can both arms be lifted equally?
• Speech — is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
• Time — act fast and call 000.

This page is for outpatient consultation, not emergency care.

Conditions Assessed and Managed

• Ischaemic stroke (large vessel, small vessel, and cardioembolic)
• Haemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhage)
• Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
• Cryptogenic stroke and stroke in younger patients
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)
• Cerebral vasculitis and inflammatory vasculopathies
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Cervical artery dissection
• Vascular cognitive impairment after stroke

What to Expect at Your Consultation

A stroke consultation typically involves:

• A detailed history of the event, risk factors, and family background
• A focused neurological examination
• Review of any prior imaging (CT, MRI, angiography) and pathology
• Discussion of further investigations where indicated — such as carotid imaging, echocardiography, ambulatory cardiac monitoring, or thrombophilia screening
• An individualised secondary prevention plan covering blood pressure, cholesterol, antithrombotic therapy, lifestyle, and rehabilitation needs
• A written summary returned to your referring doctor

Where possible, please bring or arrange forwarding of any relevant imaging discs, hospital discharge summaries, and a current medication list.

Stroke Prevention & Recovery

Most strokes are preventable. After a stroke or TIA, the risk of a further event is highest in the first weeks, which is why prompt specialist review matters. Long-term management focuses on:

• Optimising blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes control
• Selecting the most appropriate antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy
• Identifying and treating atrial fibrillation and other cardiac sources
• Managing carotid disease with medical, surgical, or endovascular options
• Supporting recovery of cognition, mood, fatigue, and function alongside your rehabilitation team

Trusted Resources

Reputable Australian organisations providing patient information and support after stroke.

• Stroke Foundation Australia — About Stroke — the national peak body for stroke awareness, prevention, and survivor support.
• EnableMe (Stroke Foundation) — Australia's largest online community for stroke survivors, families, and carers.
• Better Health Channel — Stroke — Victorian Government plain-language overview of stroke and prevention.
• Brain Foundation — Australian research and information across neurological conditions.

StrokeLine (free advice from allied health professionals): 1800 787 653, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST.

Referrals & Bookings

A current GP or specialist referral is required for Medicare rebates. Urgent referrals are triaged on receipt and accommodated wherever possible.

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.