How Genomics Can Inform Medication Decisions in Rare Epilepsies with Drs. Gray & Musarra - Part 2

Genetic Testing in Rare Epilepsy: What Families Need to Know with Gillian Prinzing & Nancy Musarra

In this episode of the KCNA2 & Rare Epilepsy Podcast, Dr. Nancy Msara speaks with licensed genetic counselor Gillian Prinzing from Boston Children’s Hospital about genetic testing in epilepsy. They talk through what genetic testing is, why it may be recommended, the different types of testing families may hear about, and what results like a diagnosis or a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) can mean in real life. They also discuss retesting, reanalysis, family testing, and why genetic results are meant to inform care, not define a person. This episode is for families looking for answers, caregivers trying to better understand the process, and anyone navigating rare epilepsy and genetic diagnosis. In this episode, we cover: * What genetic testing is * Why genetic testing is ordered in epilepsy * Genome sequencing vs. exome sequencing vs. panels * Reanalysis of older genetic results * What a VUS result means * Whether parents and siblings should be tested * When genetic testing may be helpful * Hope for the future of rare epilepsy diagnosis and care Listen, follow, and share to help more families find support, information, and connection: https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/ [https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/]

How Genomics Can Inform Medication Decisions in Rare Epilepsies with Drs. Gray & Musarra - Part 2

In Part 2 of this series of the KCNA2 & Rare Epilepsy Podcast, Dr. Nancy Musarra continues her conversation with Dr. Erika Gray, pharmacist and Chief Medical Officer of Toolbox Genomics, to explore how pharmacogenomics and genomics may help families make more informed treatment decisions. This episode focuses on how the body processes anti-seizure medications, why some people break down medications too quickly or too slowly, how side effects and adverse drug reactions may happen, and how genomic insights may help guide conversations with doctors. Dr. Gray also explains how genomics can offer insight into sleep, histamine responses, nutrition, and other factors that may affect children and adults living with rare epilepsy and neurological conditions. If you are a parent, caregiver, clinician, or someone living with a rare epilepsy, this episode offers practical and accessible information about using genomics to better understand the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Learn more: Toolbox Genomics: https://www.toolboxgenomics.com/ [https://www.toolboxgenomics.com/] KCNA2 Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/ [https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/]

Epilepsy & Mental Health Are More Connected Than People Realize with Monica Lopez Morales

In this episode of the KCNA2 & Rare Epilepsy Podcast, Monica Lopez Morales returns for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about the connection between epilepsy and mental health. Drawing from more than four decades of lived experience, Monica shares how epilepsy can affect far more than seizures alone, touching anxiety, depression, PTSD, stigma, isolation, and the daily emotional weight that many people carry silently. Together, Monica and Nancy talk about what seizures are in simple terms, how epilepsy and mental health are deeply intertwined, and why emotional wellness should be part of epilepsy care from the very beginning. Monica also speaks candidly about support groups, self-advocacy, safe disclosure, movement, nutrition, and recognizing when help is needed. This episode is especially valuable for adults living with epilepsy, parents raising children with epilepsy, family members, caregivers, and clinicians. It is also an important reminder that epilepsy affects the whole family, and that mental health symptoms may impact parents, siblings, and caregivers too. Monica encourages families to create safe spaces for children and teens to talk openly, and she reminds listeners that no one should have to carry this alone. And remember... This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It also includes discussion of depression, suicidal ideation, and mental health challenges related to epilepsy. Please speak with your doctor or epilepsy care team about diagnosis, treatment, medications, seizure safety, and mental health support. About KCNA2 KCNA2-related epilepsy is a rare neurological condition that affects how the brain sends electrical signals, often leading to seizures, movement challenges, and developmental differences. Every experience is unique, but community and shared stories play a critical role in support and understanding. You can read more on our website https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/

Rare Epilepsy and Genomic Testing Explained with Dr. Erika Gray and Dr. Nancy Musarra

In this episode of the KCNA2 & Rare Epilepsy Podcast, Nancy sits down with Dr. Erika Gray, pharmacist and Chief Medical Officer of Toolbox Genomics, to break down the difference between genetics and genomics in a way families can actually understand. Together, they talk about how gene variants like KCNA2 can affect potassium channels, why gain-of-function and loss-of-function matter, how genomic testing may help guide treatment decisions, and what families should know about privacy, insurance, and next steps in testing. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation focused on making a complex topic more clear, practical, and hopeful for families navigating rare epilepsy. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, clinician, or researcher, this episode offers an accessible introduction to how genomics may support more personalized care for children with rare epilepsies and other neurological conditions. Learn more: Toolbox Genomics: https://www.toolboxgenomics.com/ [https://www.toolboxgenomics.com/] KCNA2 Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/ [https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/]

Epilepsy Is More Than Seizures with Monica Lopez Morales and Dr. Nancy Musarra

In this episode of the KCNA2 & Rare Epilepsy Podcast, we welcome back epilepsy advocate Monica Lopez Morales for an honest and empowering conversation about what it really means to live with epilepsy. Monica shares her lived experience, the stigma and isolation many people face, and why epilepsy education matters so much for families, caregivers, clinicians, and the wider community. Together, we talk about common myths around seizures, the different types of seizures people may not recognize, what seizure first aid actually looks like, and why awareness can save lives. Monica also opens up about SUDEP, the anxiety that can come with epilepsy, and the importance of community support for people who feel alone or misunderstood. This episode is a reminder that epilepsy is about so much more than seizures. It is about safety, connection, mental health, dignity, and making sure no one has to navigate this journey alone. And remember... This episode shares personal experience and general education about epilepsy. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Please speak with your doctor or epilepsy care team about diagnosis, treatment, seizure first aid, and emergency planning. About KCNA2 KCNA2-related epilepsy is a rare neurological condition that affects how the brain sends electrical signals, often leading to seizures, movement challenges, and developmental differences. Every experience is unique, but community and shared stories play a critical role in support and understanding. You can read more on our website https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/