Atonic seizure

Anatonic seizure(also calleddrop seizure,akinetic seizure,astatic seizure,ordrop attack) is a type ofseizurethat consists of partial or complete loss ofmuscle tonethat is caused by temporary alterations inbrainfunction. These seizures are brief – usually less than fifteen seconds. They usually begin inchildhoodand may persist intoadulthood.The seizure itself causes no physicalinjury,but the loss of control, predominantly in trunk muscles, can result in directinjuryfromfalling.Electroencephalographycan be used to confirm diagnosis. It is rare and can be indicative ofLennox–Gastaut syndrome(seeHenri Gastaut). Atonic seizures can occur while standing, walking, or sitting, and are often noticeable by a head drop (relaxing of the neck muscles). Fall injuries may result in impact to the face or head. As with common epileptic occurrences, no first aid is needed post-seizure, except in the instances where falling injuries have occurred. In some cases, a person may become temporarily paralyzed in part of his or her body. This usually does not last longer than 3 minutes.

Atonic seizure
Other names	Akinetic seizure, astatic seizure
Specialty	Neurology

Treatment

There is no general treatment for patients with a seizure disorder. Each treatment plan is specifically tailored to the individual patient based on their diagnosis and symptoms. Treatment options may include medical therapy, nerve stimulation, dietary therapy, or surgery, as appropriate. Clinical trials may also be a valuable treatment alternative. Usually, anticonvulsants are given based on other symptoms and / or associated problems. Because the areas of the cerebellum which determine increases and decreases in muscle tone are close together, people experiencing atonic seizures are most likely experiencing myoclonic ones too, at some point. This may play a role in therapy and diagnostic.

One surgical approach, selective posteriorcallostomy,can greatly decrease instances of drop attacks and improve function and behavior in patients with intellectual disability.