Atonic seizures are characterized by the sudden loss of muscle tone, muscles suddenly lose strength. The eyelids may droop, the head may nod, and the person may drop things and often falls to the ground. The person usually remains conscious.

Atonic seizures often begin in childhood.  Usually descriptions of the seizures by witnesses will suggest the diagnosis. Some QEEG monitoring may be performed to confirm it. If the seizures persist, other tests may be used to make sure that changes in the heart rhythm or blood pressure are not causing the patient to fall down.

Other Useful links about Seizure Disorders / Epilepsy

• Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy Overview
  • Read the overview of Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder
• Warning Signs of Seizures
  • Please review the warning signs, the symptoms of a seizure occurring , and the after-seizure symptoms
• Who develops Epilepsy?
  • Epilepsy can develop in any person at any age. Learn more about who develops epilepsy and when are most people likely to get it.
• What causes Epilepsy
  • Read about how strokes, tumors, and brain injuries contribute to the causes of epilepsy
• Types of Seizures
  • Generalized Seizures
    • Simple Absence seizures
    • Atypical Absence seizures
    • Myoclonic seizures
    • Tonic seizures
    • Clonic seizures
    • Tonic-clonic seizures
  • Partial Seizures
    • Simple partial seizures
    • Complex partial seizures
    • Secondarily generalized seizures