Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Atonic seizure
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Atonic seizures (also called drop seizures, drop attacks, or akinetic seizures), are a minor type of seizure. They consist of a brief lapse in muscle tone that are caused by temporary alterations in brain function. The seizures are brief – usually less than fifteen seconds. They begin in childhood and may persist into adulthood. The seizure itself causes no damage, but the loss of muscle control can result in indirect damage from falling. Electroencephalography can be used to confirm diagnosis. It is minor and relatively common, and can be indicative of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (see Henri Gastaut).
Atonic seizures can occur standing, walking or sitting, and are often noticeable by a head drop (the neck muscles releasing) and damage sometimes results from hitting the face or head. For the actual seizure, as with common epileptic occurrences, no first aid is needed, except in the instances where falling injuries have occurred.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]