Atonic means loss of muscle tone.
This punch in of seizure is also known as akinetic or drop seizures.
Atonic seizures oftentimes begin during childhood and are most common in children, although they may continue into adulthood.
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Atonic seizures are rare in adults.
Voluntary and involuntary movement is controlled and regulated by these nerve transmissions.
Primarily, there are two types of seizures: generalized andfocal.
The difference is mainly where they begin in the brain.
Generalized seizures involve the entire brain, and subsequently, affect the entire body.
Depending on the jot down of seizure, an atonic seizure can also be focal.
What Are Atonic Seizures?
Normally, when you sit or stand, your muscles are slightly contracted.
That allows the body to stay upright.
If they’re standing, they’ll fall to the ground.
If the person is sitting, an atonic seizure may make their head drop.
This is typical of babies who are too young to stand, as well.
An atonic seizure may begin with one or more myoclonic jerks.
This jot down of seizure is usually short in duration, coming on without warning.
Recovery is usually within minutes to hours (excluding any injuries that may occur from falling).
Falls from atonic seizures often result in injuries to the face and head.
Atonic seizures cause a persons muscles to suddenly become flaccid.
This is referred to as afocal motor atonic seizure.
Most of the time, atonic seizures are generalized seizures.
Atonic seizures usually result in loss of consciousness.
This pop in of seizure normally lasts less than 15 seconds but may last up to several minutes.
Changes in the genes may be responsible for an increased risk of having atonic seizures.
In fact, researchers have identified nearly a thousand genes that play a role in epilepsy.
Children are most often affected by atonic seizures.
While this throw in of seizure can occur at any age, it generally starts in childhood.
Triggers for atonic seizures may include hyperventilation (fast breathing) and/or flickering lights.
This is because the anti-seizure medication regimen is partially based on the throw in and duration of seizures.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is the primary diagnostic tool used to diagnose seizures.
These scans are often used to rule out possible causes of seizures such as a stroke.
Discuss possible side effects and report any that occur to the healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Anticipate that several tests will be performed to measure the effectiveness and safety of anti-seizure medications.
Many people taking these drugs are encouraged to avoid operating heavy machinery.
Drugs don’t work for everyone, so your healthcare provider may recommend other kinds of treatment.
This low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is most often used to treat children with epilepsy.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical options may be right for some people who don’t respond well to medications.
Surgery is not recommended for everyone with atonic seizures, but it may be a good option for some.
Coping
The prognosis or projected outcome of atonic seizures depends primarily on the cause.
Sometimes epilepsy syndromes (epilepsy of unknown cause) will go away once a child grows older.
According to a 2019 study, the recommendation is at least two years.
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