We describe a disease encompassing infantile-onset movement disorder (including severe parkinsonism and nonambulation), mood disturbance, autonomic instability, and developmental delay, and we describe evidence supporting its causation by a mutation in SLC18A2 (which encodes vesicular monoamine transporter 2 [VMAT2]). VMAT2 translocates dopamine and serotonin into synaptic vesicles and is essential for motor control, stable mood, and autonomic function. Treatment with levodopa was associated with worsening, whereas treatment with direct dopamine agonists was followed by immediate ambulation, near-complete correction of the movement disorder, and resumption of development.

Lafora disease (LD) is an autosomal recessive progressive myoclonus epilepsy due to mutations in the EPM2A (laforin) and EPM2B (malin) genes, with no substantial genotype‐phenotype differences between the two. Founder effects and recurrent mutations are common, and mostly isolated to specific ethnic groups and/or geographical locations. Pathologically, LD is characterized by distinctive polyglucosans, which are formations of abnormal glycogen. Polyglucosans, or Lafora bodies (LB) are typically found in the brain, periportal hepatocytes of the liver, skeletal and cardiac myocytes, and in the eccrine duct and apocrine myoepithelial cells of sweat glands. Mouse models of the disease and other naturally occurring animal models have similar pathology and phenotype. Hypotheses of LB formation remain controversial, with compelling evidence and caveats for each hypothesis. However, it is clear that the laforin and malin functions regulating glycogen structure are key.With the exception of a few missense mutations LD is clinically homogeneous, with onset in adolescence. Symptoms begin with seizures, and neurological decline follows soon after. The disease course is progressive and fatal, with death occurring within 10 years of onset. Antiepileptic drugs are mostly non‐effective, with none having a major influence on the progression of cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Diagnosis and genetic counseling are important aspects of LD, and social support is essential in disease management.Future therapeutics for LD will revolve around the pathogenesics of the disease. Currently, efforts at identifying compounds or approaches to reduce brain glycogen synthesis appear to be highly promising.

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are neurodegenerative conditions that associate cognitive decline, progressive cerebellar atrophy, retinopathy, and myoclonic epilepsy. NCL result from the excessive accumulation of neuronal and extraneuronal lipopigments, despite having diverse underlying biochemical aetiologies. Here we review the clinical presentation, pathophysiology and genetics of these conditions as well as the approach to diagnosis and management.