As an otolaryngologist immersed in the migraine space, I am often faced with questions like, "Why is an ENT doc interested in a neurological disorder?". Believe it or not, my passion for this complex disease stems from observations of my own patients presenting with symptoms of sinusitis that were resistant to traditional treatments. It took me time to open my mind to the concept that this is a neurological problem. The idea that a headache disorder could be mistaken as a sinus infection seemed improbable and at odds with the views of respected clinicians and trusted textbooks. Nonetheless, there had to be a reason other than infection for people to feel sinus pain and pressure with a stuffy and runny nose.

Over time I have learned a lot about how we judge our well-being on what the various parts of our nervous system (hearing, balance, vision, smell, taste and touch) tell us. And when that sensory system is not working properly, both patients and clinicians can be easily fooled. When I finally learned enough to treat my patients safely for their migraine disorders and observed their' improved health and lifestyle, I committed myself to raising awareness, helping other clinicians learn to manage their patients and better understanding the many symptoms of migraine through research.              

As an independent voice in migraine healthcare, our organization has a belief that migraine needs to engage and connect various medical specialties. Through professional collaborations, listening to the patient community and disseminating information, we hope to contribute to the reshaping of how migraine is understood, studied, and managed as a complex disease.