Atonic seizure

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 tonethat are caused by temporary alterations in brainfunction. The seizures are brief - usually less than fifteen seconds. They begin in childhoodand may persist into adulthood. The seizure itself causes no damage, but the loss of muscle control can result in falling and injuring oneself in that way. Electroencephalographycan be used to confirm diagnosis. It is minor and relatively common, and can be indicative of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome(see Henri Gastaut).

Reference

• Atonic Seizures : Epilepsy.com
• Epilepsy Ontario :: Seizure Types :: Atonic Seizures

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atonic+seizure Wikipedia article Atonic seizure.