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; EJM7 (see 613060), by variation in the GABRD gene (137163) on 1p36; 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.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-11 is an autosomal recessive neurologic disorder characterized by rapidly progressive visual loss due to retinal dystrophy, seizures, cerebellar ataxia, and cerebellar atrophy. Cognitive decline may also occur (summary by Smith et al., 2012). 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.