Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Both inherited and acquired factors contribute to its multifactorial pathogenesis. A genetic predisposition plays a major role in the aetiology of the common idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Susceptibility genes for two syndromes of idiopathic generalized epilepsies, the benign familial neonatal convulsions and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, have been assigned to the chromosomal regions 20q13 (EBN1), 8q24 (EBN2) and 6p21 (EJM1). Positional cloning of the mutations causing these traits will help to elucidate the molecular pathways of epileptogenesis and will imply a classification on a neurobiological basis. Insights into the underlying impairment of neuronal excitability should provide new concepts for the development of rational treatment strategies.