NEWLY DIAGNOSED

  • What is SCN2A?

    SCN2A is a sodium ion channel gene located on chromosome 2. It encodes the alpha subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav1.2) mainly located in the brain. These channels play an essential role in a cell’s ability to generate and transmit electrical signals. A change in the gene can alter the function of the channel and affect the way neuronal impulses are conducted.

  • How Does SCN2A Present?

    The current published literature suggests two main presentations: gain of function of the sodium channel or a loss of function of the sodium channel. A gain of function mutation leads to improper channel closing, causing more sodium to enter the cells and excess neuronal firing or excitability. A loss of function mutation leads to improper channel opening, causing less sodium to enter the cells and insufficient neuronal firing. Having a good understanding of this can help guide proper therapeutic decisions.

  • Associated Medical Conditions

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Autonomic Dysfunction
    • Cerebral Palsy (spasticity, hypotonia)
    • Cortical Vision Impairment
    • Epilepsy
    • GI Dysfunction (Reflux & constipation)
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Movement Disorders (chorea, ataxia, dystonia)
    • Neuropathic Pain
    • Sleep Disorders
    • Speech and Language Deficit
    • Urology problems (infections & urinary Retention)

  • Associated Epilepsy Syndromes

    • Benign Familial Infantile Seizures
    • Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy (e.g. Ohtahara & West Syndrome)
    • Later onset epilepsy with ASD
    • Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
    • Migrating Partial Epilepsy of Infancy

  • Newly Diagnosed

    Knowledge is power. Our website is full of resources for families and professionals wanting to learn more about SCN2A Disorders.

     Publications
  • Common Specialists Seen By Children With SCN2A

    • Complex Care
    • Developmental Pediatrician
    • Endocrinologist
    • Gastroenterologist
    • Geneticist
    • Neurologist
    • Neuropsychologist
    • Ophthalmologist
    • Orthopedist
    • Palliative Care
    • Physiatrist
    • Pulmonologist
    • Urologist
    • Occupational, Physical, Speech & Vision Therapist

    Patients with SCN2A benefit from a multi-disciplinary team approach with numerous specialists involved to deliver comprehensive care.

  • When is International SCN2A Awareness Day?

    Celebrate International SCN2A Awareness Day on February 24th! Significance Of The Date 2/24: Located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 2 at position 24.3 (2/24), the SCN2A gene encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2 mainly located in the brain. Sodium ion channels are proteins in cells that allow sodium to enter inside to generate and transmit electrical signals.

Ways To Contribute

Whatever you decide, please let us know. We are here to support you with ideas, resources and more. Check out the FamilieSCN2A Fundraising Page on facebook to see how others have helped.

FUNdraising

FUNdraising is not only about money, it also raises public awareness of SCN2A and the issues around rare diseases in general.

Raise Awareness

Share your story with friends and family, in private and/or through social media. Share our website with them.

Donate

Make a tax deductible donation directly to the FamileSCN2A Foundation to be used for raising awareness, research and supporting families

Raise Funds

Sign up with iGive, an automated program that donate a portion of online sales to charity.

Have a Party!

There are many direct sales vendors who would be happy to do a fundraiser for you.

Connect / Support / Research

Did you or your child just receive a new diagnosis of SCN2A? If so, please know you are not alone!