MISSION

The Sinusitis Migraine and Untreated Diseases Research Association (SMUDRA) strives to expand the understanding of Sinusitis and Migraine by supporting research, education and awareness.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER

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As an otolaryngologist immersed in the field of sinusitis and migraine, I am often faced with questions such as, “Why is an ENT doctor interested in a neurological disorder?”. Believe it or not, my passion for this complex disease stems from observations of my own patients with symptoms of sinusitis resistant to conventional treatments. It took me time to open my mind to the concept that it was a neurological problem. The idea that a headache disorder could be misdiagnosed as a sinus infection seemed implausible and was contrary to the views of respected physicians and trusted textbooks. Even so, for people to feel pressure along with sinus pain and stuffy and runny nose, there must have been some other reason other than an infection.

Over time I’ve learned a lot about how we judge our well-being based on what different parts of our nervous system (hearing, balance, sight, smell, taste and touch) tell us. And when that sensory system isn’t working properly, both the patient and the therapist can easily be fooled. When I finally learned enough to treat my patients safely for their migraine disorders and saw their ‘better health and lifestyle’, I committed myself to raising awareness, encouraging other physicians to treat their patients. Helped to manage and better understand the many symptoms of migraine through research.

As an independent voice in sinusitis and migraine health care, our organization believes that sinusitis and migraine need to be addressed and linked to different medical specialties. Through professional collaboration, listening to the patient community, and dissemination of information, we hope to contribute to reshaping the way we understand, study and manage migraine as a complex disease.

WHAT WE DO

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RESEARCH

SMUDRA is proud to be a source of funding for investigators who are committed to advancing migraine research. SMUDRA research efforts are led by a team of world-renowned experts who identify knowledge gaps to influence future projects. SMUDRA also strives to form a multi-disciplinary network of researchers and medical professionals through the Sinusitis and Migraine Science Collaborative.

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EDUCATION

SMUDRA is dedicated to being a trusted and comprehensive source for people living with migraine and clinicians who diagnose and treat people with migraine. SMUDRA publishes educational material through videos, blogs, printed materials and so much more. SMUDRA covers all areas of migraine from diagnosis to treatment. SMUDRA is a leader in providing educational content on varied migraine symptoms and comorbidities.

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AWARENESS &TREATMENT

In 2014, SMUDRA founded the globally recognized, wildly popular Shades for Sinusitis and Migraine campaign. What started as a simple social media challenge has grown into one of the world’s largest interactive migraine awareness movements. Every June thousands of people use #smudra, making migraine a viral topic. The campaign has made sinusitis and migraine awareness and free treatment synonymous.

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