About Dr. Munana
Dr. Karen R. Muñana is a Professor of Neurology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she divides her time between clinical practice, teaching, and research. Her passion for scientific discovery began during her neurology residency and master’s program at Colorado State University, where she completed her first research project from concept to publication.
Although she initially considered herself primarily a clinician, her work with pet owners whose dogs suffered from epilepsy profoundly shaped her career path. Inspired by their dedication to improving understanding and treatment of this challenging disease, Dr. Muñana decided to focus her research on canine epilepsy. Her work continues to explore both the causes and management of seizures in dogs, with the goal of improving quality of life for affected animals and their caregivers.
Research Approach
Idiopathic epilepsy — recurrent seizures without an identifiable cause aside from a presumed genetic predisposition — is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs. Current treatment relies on antiseizure medications that control symptoms but do not address the underlying cause, and many dogs fail to achieve good seizure control despite therapy.
Dr. Muñana’s current research, funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, aims to better understand how the brains of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy function using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). This noninvasive imaging technique measures small changes in blood flow in the brain that reflect neural activity and connectivity. By comparing the brain networks of epileptic dogs with those of neurologically normal dogs, her team hopes to identify alterations in functional connectivity that may underlie the disease.
Ten dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and ten healthy control dogs will undergo rs-fMRI scanning and image analysis. The data will help determine whether specific changes in brain connectivity are associated with epilepsy, similar to findings seen in humans with the condition.
Potential Impact
This groundbreaking study has the potential to provide novel insights into the brain function of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, paving the way for more effective management strategies. A deeper understanding of how seizures arise and spread within the brain could lead to targeted therapies that go beyond symptom control to address the root causes of epilepsy.
Dr. Muñana’s work also highlights the vital partnership between scientists and dedicated pet owners who participate in and support clinical studies. Through continued collaboration and the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s commitment to advancing canine health, this research will ultimately help improve the lives of dogs affected by epilepsy — and the people who love and care for them.
