Summary about Disease
Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks, are a type of seizure characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to brief collapse or falling. Consciousness may be briefly impaired, or remain intact. The seizures are usually very short, lasting only seconds.
Symptoms
Sudden loss of muscle tone (flaccidity).
Briefly going limp.
Head nodding or drooping.
Falling or dropping to the ground.
Possible brief loss of consciousness or awareness.
Slurred speech (occasionally).
Causes
Atonic seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Potential underlying causes include:
Epilepsy syndromes (e.g., Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome).
Brain injury.
Genetic factors.
Metabolic disorders.
Infections of the brain.
Sometimes the cause is unknown (idiopathic).
Medicine Used
Treatment typically involves anti-epileptic medications. Common medications include:
Valproic acid
Lamotrigine
Topiramate
Clonazepam
Rufinamide
Clobazam
Ketogenic diet (may be used in conjunction with medication).
Is Communicable
Atonic seizures are not communicable. They are a neurological condition and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Wear protective headgear, especially during activities with a risk of falling.
Modify the environment to reduce injury risk (e.g., padded floors, removal of sharp objects).
Avoid heights or situations where a sudden loss of muscle tone could be dangerous (e.g., swimming alone).
Follow prescribed medication regimen consistently.
Inform caregivers and school staff about the condition and seizure first aid.
Consider using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs if falls are frequent.
How long does an outbreak last?
Atonic seizures are not an outbreak, but rather a chronic condition. The seizures themselves are very brief, lasting only seconds, but they can occur frequently depending on the individual and the effectiveness of treatment. The condition itself persists until effectively managed with medication or other interventions.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history and neurological examination.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect abnormal brain activity.
Video-EEG monitoring to correlate seizure activity with clinical symptoms.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain to rule out structural abnormalities.
Blood tests to rule out metabolic disorders.
Genetic testing may be considered in some cases.
Timeline of Symptoms
Before the seizure: There might be no warning or a subtle change in behavior.
During the seizure: Sudden loss of muscle tone occurs rapidly (within seconds). Person may slump, drop, or fall.
After the seizure: Recovery is usually rapid (within seconds to minutes). There may be brief confusion or drowsiness. In some cases, immediate return to normal function.
Important Considerations
Atonic seizures can lead to injuries from falls, so safety is paramount.
Proper diagnosis is critical to rule out other seizure types or conditions.
Treatment requires careful monitoring and adjustment of medication.
Support and education for patients and families are essential.
Emergency plans should be in place for managing seizures, especially in school or public settings.