Ms. Imola Mihalecz, University of Montreal
$20,000 over 2 years, Graduate Student Award, funded in partnership with Parkinson Canada
Project description:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is widely recognized for its motor symptoms, but chronic pain that affects many individuals with the disorder is often overlooked. Ms. Imola Mihalecz, a graduate student at the University of Montreal, is leading a pioneering research project aimed at unraveling this complex issue.
Chronic pain is a common yet under-addressed issue in PD, affecting patients at various stages of the disease. Pain can appear early in PD, worsen over time, and potentially have a greater impact on patients’ quality of life than motor symptoms. However, the reasons behind why some individuals with PD experience chronic pain while others do not remain elusive. Mihalecz’s project seeks to unravel this mystery by investigating pain perception in PD.
Drawing from previous literature, Mihalecz notes that individuals with PD exhibit heightened sensitivity to painful sensations. However, it remains uncertain whether this hypersensitivity is a consequence of the disease itself or the presence of chronic pain in Parkinson’s.
The project involves a comprehensive analysis of pain perception levels in PD compared to other pain pathologies and healthy individuals. Through careful examination, Mihalecz hopes to pinpoint the factors contributing to pain hypersensitivity in PD, paving the way for enhanced pain management protocols. An improved understanding of PD-related pain should also help to detect pain symptoms and develop a more detailed characterization of clinical sub-groups, which may lead to tailored treatment strategies.
Looking ahead, Mihalecz envisions a future where Parkinson’s disease is understood not just as a motor disorder but also as a condition encompassing diverse non-motor symptoms, including pain. Through her work, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of addressing these often-overlooked aspects of PD. Furthermore, she aspires to contribute to the development of targeted pain management interventions that will be accepted and widely applied by other clinicians.
Beyond her research aspirations, Mihalecz harbors ambitions of becoming a leading advocate for scientific communication, bridging the gap between patients and clinicians. By championing greater understanding and recognition of PD-related pain, she aims to leave a lasting impact on the field of Parkinson’s research.
Through collaborative efforts and dedicated research initiatives like Mihalecz’s, the path towards improved quality of life for people with Parkinson’s becomes clearer, one step at a time.
Source: Parkinson Canada Research Program.