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A complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a variation in the GRIN2B gene
No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized in all affected individuals by mild to profound developmental delay / intellectual disability (DD/ID). Epilepsy (seen in 51%) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autistic-like behaviors (26%) are common. Other infantile- or childhood-onset findings include microcephaly; muscle tone abnormalities (hypotonia, spasticity); dystonic, dyskinetic, or choreiform movement disorder; and/or cortical visual impairment. To date, fewer than 100 individuals with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder have been reported in cohorts of individuals with DD/ID/ASD, early-onset epilepsy, and malformations of cortical development (MCD). Unless otherwise noted, the information in this section is based on extended data of .
Formal diagnostic criteria for GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder have not been established.
GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder should be considered in individuals with the following clinical and/or brain MRI findings.
Clinical findings
Mild-to-profound developmental delay (DD) or intellectual disability (ID); AND
No approved treatments are currently available for GRIN2B-related complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Table 5.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Ophthalmologic | As clinically indicated
| Feeding, nutrition status, weight gain
No clinical trials have been registered for GRIN2B-related complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
3 publications have been identified in PubMed for GRIN2B-related complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Research spans Review / Meta-Analysis (33%), Basic Science / Preclinical (33%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (33%).
Yano ST (2026). [PMID: 41726570](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41726570/). *Epilepsy currents*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Colona VL (2025). [PMID: 40527196](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40527196/). *European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Martínez-Lázaro R (2025). [PMID: 40763259](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40763259/). *The Journal of general physiology*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Data assembled from 3 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC
Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) provide support, resources, and community for patients and caregivers.
Common questions about GRIN2B-related complex neurodevelopmental disorder
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Any of the following features presenting in infancy or childhood:
Epilepsy
Autism spectrum disorder / behavioral issues
Microcephaly
Muscle tone abnormalities such as hypotonia (occasionally associated with feeding difficulties) and spasticity
Dystonic, dyskinetic, or choreiform movement disorder
Cortical visual impairment
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Phenotypic features associated with heterozygous GRIN2B pathogenic variants are not sufficient to diagnose GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder. All genes known to be associated with ID, early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, and malformations of cortical development (especially diffuse polymicrogyria and tubulinopathies) should be included in the differential diagnosis of GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder as individuals with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopment disorder can present with a combination of clinically unspecific phenotypes such as DD/ID/ASD and/or epilepsy. The underlying genetic causes of these phenotypes comprise a very heterogeneous group of disorders, as is the case with tubulinopathies, polymicrogyria, and their differential diagnoses. Table 2. Genes to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Phenotype | Genes1 | GeneReview/OMIM/Reference |
|---|---|---|
Intellectual disability | 180 | Autosomal dominant: OMIM PS156200Autosomal recessive: OMIM PS249500Nonsyndromic, X-linked: OMIM PS309530Syndromic, X-linked: OMIM PS309510 |
Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy | 50 | OMIM PS308350 |
Polymicrogyria | ~50 | , Tubulinopathies |
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Ocular | Ophthalmologic | Assess for cortical visual impairment. Gastrointestinal/ |
Feeding | Feeding, nutrition status, weight gain | Determine if tube feeding is required. |
Musculoskeletal | Clinical eval for tone abnormalities | Assess for muscular hypotonia /or spasticity. |
Neurologic | Neurologic | Incl clinical eval for movement disorders, EEG, brain MRI Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | Neuropsychiatric | For persons age 12 mos: screen for concerns incl sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, /or findings suggestive of ASD. Miscellaneous/ |
Other | Developmental assessment | Incl motor, speech language, general cognitive, vocational skills Consultation w/clinical geneticist /or genetic counselor |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Abnormal vision /or strabismus | Standard treatment(s) as recommended by experienced ophthalmologist | — |
Seizures | Standard treatment w/ASM by experienced neurologist1 | Many ASMs may be effective; none has been demonstrated effective specifically for this disorder. |
Hypotonia, spasticity, movement disorder | Standard treatment(s) as recommended by experienced neurologist | ASM = anti-seizure medication Education of parents regarding common seizure presentations is appropriate. For information on non-medical interventions and coping strategies for parents or caregivers of children diagnosed with epilepsy, see Epilepsy Foundation Toolbox. |
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
In vitro studies on oocytes of Xenopus laevis suggest a beneficial treatment response of pathogenic missense GRIN2B gain-of-function variants to blockers of the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (e.g., memantine, radiprodil) . However, a significant clinical benefit from treatment with such compounds has not yet been demonstrated . Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
View trials for GRIN2B-related complex neurodevelopmental disorder
| Monitor gross fine motor development in those w/tone abnormalities.
| Monitor treatment effectiveness in those w/seizures, movement disorders, /or spasticity.
| Behavioral assessment for anxiety, attention, aggressive or self-injurious behavior
Miscellaneous/
| Monitor developmental progress educational needs.
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"