atonic seizure
Pronunciation: ay-TON-ik
A seizure type characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the patient to drop or fall.
Full Definition
Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks, involve a sudden loss of muscle tone that can affect the entire body or specific muscle groups. The child may suddenly drop their head, arms, or entire body, often resulting in falls and potential injuries. These seizures are typically brief, lasting only a few seconds, but can be dangerous due to the risk of head trauma from falls. Atonic seizures are often associated with severe epilepsy syndromes and may require protective headgear. They can be challenging to distinguish from other causes of sudden falls in children.
Usage
Usage note: Often used interchangeably with 'drop attack' but the medical term is preferred in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The child was fitted with a protective helmet due to frequent atonic seizures causing dangerous falls." — Treatment plan
- "Video EEG captured several atonic seizures characterized by sudden head drops lasting 2-3 seconds each." — Diagnostic report