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Living with Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 94

A CHD2-related condition with early-onset seizures that are hard to treat, and slowed or lost thinking skills.

Understanding Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 94

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 94, also called CHD2-related neurodevelopmental disorder, causes early-onset seizures that are hard to treat along with slowed thinking or lost skills.

Seizures usually start between 6 months and 4 years of age. Types include drop attacks, muscle jerks (myoclonus), and seizures triggered by light. Intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder is common. Only 32 people were reported at the time GARD's summary was written.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Several types of seizures
  • Drop attacks (atonic seizures)
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autistic behavior
  • Loss of developmental milestones
  • Long seizures without recovery (status epilepticus)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include seizure and epilepsy specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
Expert care
Expert lists: Epilepsy Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Simons Searchlight and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the CHD2 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How can light-triggered seizures be managed?
Which therapies can support learning and development?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD ties this condition to the CHD2 gene. It lists autosomal dominant inheritance, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.

Also known as: chd2-related neurodevelopmental disorders; childhood onset epileptic encephalopathy; dee94; eeoc; epileptic encephalopathy, childhood-onset

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 94GARD ID 13197 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

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