Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (EJM, JME) is a subtype of idiopathic generalized epilepsy (EIG; see 600669), affecting up to 26% of all individuals with EIG. Individuals with EJM have afebrile seizures only, with onset in adolescence of myoclonic jerks. Myoclonic jerks usually occur in the morning (Janz and Durner, 1997). Genetic Heterogeneity of Juvenile Myoclonic Seizures Susceptibility to EJM can be conferred by variation in several other genes: EJM5 (611136), by variation in the GABRA1 gene (137160) on 5q34; EJM6 (see 607682), by variation in the CACNB4 gene (601949) on 2q23; EJM8 (see 607628), by variation in the CLCN2 gene (600570) on 3q27; and EJM10 (617924), by variation in the ICK gene (612325) on chromosome 6p12. In addition, EJM loci have been identified by linkage analysis: EJM2 (see 604827) on 15q14, EJM3 (608816) on 6p21, EJM4 (611364) on 5q12-q14, and EJM9 (614280) on 2q33-q36. EJM7 (see 613060) was thought to be caused by variation in the GABRD gene (137163.0002) on 1p36, but the variant was reclassified as a polymorphism.

Multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome-2 (MCAHS2) is an X-linked recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by dysmorphic features, neonatal hypotonia, early-onset myoclonic seizures, and variable congenital anomalies involving the central nervous, cardiac, and urinary systems. Some affected individuals die in infancy (summary by Johnston et al., 2012). The phenotype shows clinical variability with regard to severity and extraneurologic features. However, most patients present in infancy with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy associated with developmental arrest and subsequent severe neurologic disability; these features are consistent with a form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) (summary by Belet et al., 2014, Kato et al., 2014). The disorder is caused by a defect in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis. For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of MCAHS, see MCAHS1 (614080). For a discussion of nomenclature and genetic heterogeneity of DEE, see 308350. For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of GPI biosynthesis defects, see GPIBD1 (610293).

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-11 (CLN11) is an autosomal recessive progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by seizures (often refractory), progressive cerebellar ataxia and gait abnormalities, cognitive decline particularly affecting executive function, and behavioral abnormalities. The age at onset is variable, ranging from midchildhood to the second or third decades. Most patients have progressive visual loss with retinal abnormalities and cataracts; visual hallucinations may occur and many patients are photosensitive. The severity of the disorder is variable, but it is progressive and can lead to severe disability with blindness, loss of ambulation, and severe cognitive impairment (Huin et al., 2020; Neuray et al., 2021). For a general phenotypic description and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of CLN, see CLN1 (256730).

CHD2-related neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (i.e., refractory seizures and cognitive slowing or regression associated with frequent ongoing epileptiform activity). Seizure onset is typically between ages six months and four years. Seizure types typically include drop attacks, myoclonus, and rapid onset of multiple seizure types associated with generalized spike-wave on EEG, atonic-myoclonic-absence seizures, and clinical photosensitivity. Intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorders are common.