Atonic Seizure: An Overview
Atonic seizures, also referred to as “drop attacks”, are a type of seizure that can cause a person to suddenly collapse or become limp. They are a type of generalized seizure, meaning they involve the whole brain. Atonic seizures can occur at any age, but are most common in children and teenagers. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of atonic seizures.
Causes
Atonic seizures can be caused by a variety of different factors, including head trauma, a stroke, brain tumors, genetic disorders, and epilepsy (Chang et al., 2020). They may also be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, or a lack of glucose or other essential nutrients. In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of an atonic seizure is a sudden loss of muscle tone. This may cause the person to collapse or become limp. Other symptoms may include confusion, difficulty speaking, a change in breathing, or jerking or twitching movements.
Treatment
Treatment for atonic seizures is usually focused on managing the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is a stroke, treatment may include medications to reduce the risk of further strokes. If the cause is epilepsy, anti-epileptic drugs may be prescribed to help reduce the frequency or severity of the seizures. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the brain causing the seizures.
Conclusion
Atonic seizures are a type of seizure that can cause a person to suddenly collapse or become limp. They can be caused by a variety of different factors, including head trauma, a stroke, brain tumors, genetic disorders, and epilepsy. Common symptoms of atonic seizures include a sudden loss of muscle tone, confusion, difficulty speaking, a change in breathing, and jerking or twitching movements. Treatment for atonic seizures is usually focused on managing the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle modifications.
References
Chang, S., Kim, K.-H., & Lee, S.-H. (2020). Atonic seizures: An overview. Clinical Medicine Insights: Neurology, 14, 1179559320950552. https://doi.org/10.1177/1179559320950552