Atonic Seizures: Understanding Drop Attacks & Recovery

Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks or astatic seizures, are characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone and consciousness, causing a person to fall to the ground and appear limp. These seizures may last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can be followed by drowsiness or sleep.

Other signs and symptoms of atonic seizures may include:

- Brief episodes of unconsciousness

- Muscle stiffness

- Jerking movements

- Difficulty breathing

- Loss of bladder control

- Tongue biting

Atonic seizures can be very dangerous, as they can cause falls and head injuries. Anyone with symptoms of an atonic seizure should seek immediate medical attention.

A tonic-clonic seizure is characterized by a loss of consciousness, followed by muscle stiffness (tonic phase) and then jerking movements (clonic phase). These seizures can last for 1 to 3 minutes and are often followed by a period of confusion and drowsiness.