Atonic seizure

Atonic seizure
Synonyms	Drop attack, akinetic seizure
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Sudden loss of muscle tone, collapse
Complications	Injury from falls
Onset	Childhood
Duration	Seconds
Types	Generalized seizure
Causes	Often unknown, can be due to epilepsy
Risks	Head injury, genetic factors
Diagnosis	EEG, neurological examination
Differential diagnosis	Syncope, cataplexy, narcolepsy
Prevention	Antiepileptic drugs, helmets for protection
Treatment	Medication, vagus nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet
Medication	Valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate
Prognosis	Varies, often part of a larger epileptic syndrome
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Atonic Seizure An Atonic seizure, also known as a drop attack, is a type of seizure that involves a sudden loss of muscle tone. This can cause the person to suddenly collapse or fall down, often leading to injury. Atonic seizures are a type of generalized seizure, meaning they affect both sides of the brain at the same time. They are most commonly seen in children and adults with certain types of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Symptoms

The main symptom of an atonic seizure is a sudden loss of muscle tone. This can affect the entire body, causing the person to fall to the ground, or it can affect only certain parts of the body. Other symptoms can include a brief loss of consciousness and confusion upon waking.

Causes

Atonic seizures are caused by a sudden change in the electrical activity in the brain. This can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications. In some cases, the cause of atonic seizures is unknown.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of atonic seizures typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as tests to monitor the brain's electrical activity, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG). In some cases, imaging tests such as an MRI may also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for atonic seizures typically involves medication to control the seizures. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the area of the brain causing the seizures. Other treatments can include vagus nerve stimulation and ketogenic diet.

See also

• Epilepsy
• Seizure types
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Dravet syndrome

References

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