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A neurological condition characterized by the occurrence of seizures during the first year of life (Benign familial infantile epilepsy) and choreoathetotic dyskinetic attacks during childhood or adolescence.
Features include very common findings: Paroxysmal dystonia; and common findings: Paroxysmal choreoathetosis and Focal sensory seizure. 8 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 4 | Paroxysmal dystonia, Generalized-onset seizure, Focal sensory seizure |
PRRT2-related disorder encompasses a spectrum of three core phenotypes: epilepsy, paroxysmal movement disorders, and migraine . As individuals with PRRT2-related disorder age, they may exhibit one of more of these core phenotypes in various combinations, either concurrently or sequentially. For instance, an individual initially presenting with self-limiting infantile epilepsy may later develop paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. Intrafamilial variability is also common, meaning that different combinations of the core phenotypes may appear among family members who are heterozygous for the same PRRT2 pathogenic variant. To date, more than 1,500 individuals have been identified with a heterozygous PRRT2 pathogenic variant .
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
PRRT2 function has not been fully characterized.
Infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis is caused by mutations in the PRRT2 gene on chromosome 16.
The penetrance of PRRT2-related disorder ranges from 50% to 90% ; thus, individuals heterozygous for a known PRRT2 pathogenic variant may be clinically unaffected. Among the core phenotypes, penetrance is estimated to be 75%-95% for PRRT2-related SeLIE, 50%-61% for PRRT2-related PKD, and up to 87% for PRRT2-related HM .
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
PRRT2-related disorder (PRRT2-RD) should be considered in individuals with any one of the following core phenotypes and/or in individuals with a paroxysmal movement disorder and a positive family history of any of the core phenotypes.
SeLIE is characterized by the following clinical and supportive findings .
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
PRRT2 pathogenic variants are found in the majority of individuals with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD), up to 70% of individuals with self-limited (familial) infantile epilepsy (SeLIE), and almost all individuals with PKD with infantile convulsions (PKD/IC) . It is proposed to be the fourth most common gene associated with familial hemiplegic migraines . PRRT2 pathogenic variants are rarely identified in individuals with childhood absence epilepsy , episodic ataxia , and paroxysmal torticollis . PRRT2-related paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia has been reported in only two individuals to date . Other genes known to be associated with these phenotypes are listed in . Table 3. Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of PRRT2-Related Disorder
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Features of Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
ADCY5-related dyskinesia | AD(AR)1 |
Genetic testing for PRRT2 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for PRRT2-related disorder have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with PRRT2-related disorder, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. PRRT2-Related Disorder: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | History physical exam by neurologist experienced in epilepsy movement disorders | Assess for:; Leading phenomenology of movement disorder (e.g., dystonia, chorea). Obtain videos of episodes where possible.; Time course fluctuations in manifestations; Triggers for episodic manifestations; Baseline assessment of tone (e.g. |
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of PRRT2-related disorder to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support |
resources | By clinicians, wider care team, family support organizations | Assessment of family social structure to determine need for:; Community or such as Parent to Parent; Social work involvement for parental support MOI = mode of inheritance 1. |
PRRT2-Related Disorder: Treatment of Manifestations Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
SeLIE. Treat fevers promptly. PKD. Avoid stress, sleep deprivation, and anxiety (consistently reported as factors that increase the likelihood for PKD episodes) and other triggers to help prevent attacks and lower attack frequency. HM. Use triptans and dihydroergotamine with caution due to their associated increased risk of ischemic vascular events.
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
View trials for infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis
Monitoring existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations requires regularly scheduled follow up with the treating neurologist as well as educators and social services. The evaluations summarized in are recommended.
Table 6.
PRRT2-Related Disorder: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| • Neurologic exam baseline EEG
Imaging further workup per treating neurologist
| Per treating neurologist
| • Neurologic exam
Imaging further workup per treating neurologist
| Once every 1-2 yrs
| On 1st occurrence then 1x/yr
| Monitor developmental progress educational needs. | At each visit
Cognition (older children/adults)
| Assess family need for social work support or follow-up genetic counseling if new questions arise (e.g., family planning).
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
Phenotype severity distribution: 1 very common feature, 2 common features.
No clinical trials have been registered for infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis.
6 publications have been identified in PubMed for infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (100%).
Pace M (2026). [PMID: 41662224](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41662224/). *Journal of child neurology*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Song D (2025). [PMID: 40372220](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40372220/). *Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Ding M (2025). [PMID: 40861674](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40861674/). *Cureus*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Wu R (2025). [PMID: 41053704](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41053704/). *BMC pediatrics*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Ancora C (2024). [PMID: 38436508](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38436508/). *Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Iwanami N (2024). [PMID: 39055674](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39055674/). *SAGE open medical case reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 6:57 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Attacks:; Involve limbs, neck, /or face; Often w/perioral dyskinesia ("facial twitches"); Dyskinesias often persist during sleep (nocturnal dyskinesias) Hypotonia DD may be present. |
ATP1A2 | Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (OMIM 104290) | AD | Paroxysmal hemiplegia dystonia |
Familial hemiplegic migraine | AD | Paroxysmal hemiplegia | — |
ATP1A3 | Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (See ATP1A3-Related Neurologic Disorders.) | AD | Paroxysmal hemiplegia dystonia |
CACNA1A | Episodic ataxia type 2 (See Hereditary Ataxia Overview.) | AD | Paroxysmal ataxia |
Familial hemiplegic migraine | AD | Paroxysmal hemiplegia | ECHS1 |
Mitochondrial short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 deficiency | AR | Paroxysmal dystonia | Onset of attacks before age 10 yrs; Attacks triggered by high metabolic demand; Most individuals have associated DD acute episodes of encephalopathy.; Isolated presentations of paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesias are rare. GCH1 |
GTP cyclohydrolase 1-deficient dopa-responsive dystonia | AD | Paroxysmal dystonia | Initially dystonia may be paroxysmal before becoming permanent.; Exhibit diurnal variation (dystonia worse in evening); Characterized by focal dystonia w/ascending pattern of progression; Favorable response to levodopa KCNA1 |
Episodic ataxia type 1 | AD | Paroxysmal ataxia | Attacks:; Onset before age 20 yrs; Brief intermittent episodes of ataxia, myokymia, dysarthria of variable duration; Can be assoc w/comorbidities such as hyperth... |
Source: GeneReviews — "PRRT2-Related Disorder"
Seizures | Sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine) | Seizures in SeLIE most often also respond to other first-line ASMs (incl levetiracetam). ASMs should be chosen based on best risk vs benefit profile.; A seizure rescue plan for prolonged seizures is recommended. |
Paroxysmal dyskinesias | Sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine) | Doses of 100 mg/day or less have been effective in most persons w/PRRT2-related PKD. |
Hemiplegic events | Sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine) | Anecdotal evidence only ASMs = anti-seizure medications; PKD = paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia; SeLIE = self-limited (familial) infantile epilepsy Self-limited (familial) infantile epilepsy (SeLIE). |