Treatment for Atonic Seizures

Atonic seizures are a form of general seizure disorder characterized by an abrupt, unexpected loss of muscle tone leading to lack of posture control or complete body collapse. Treatment for atonic seizures varies according to specific circumstances.

The Facts

• Atonic seizures occur most often in children, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. In addition to loss of muscle tone, they cause loss of consciousness.

First Aid

• Individuals with atonic seizures tend to fall with great force and often experience injuries to the face or head, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. First aid may be required to treat these injuries.

Short-Term Treatment

• Beyond any injuries sustained in a fall, atonic seizures do not typically require any immediate treatment, the Epilepsy Foundation reports. However, individuals experiencing their first seizure should see a doctor for a complete examination.

Additional Treaments

• Unlike some other forms of repeated seizures (epilepsy), atonic seizures often do not respond well to epilepsy medications, the Epilepsy Foundation notes. In these cases, treatment options include stimulation of the cranial vagus nerve, specialized diets and a surgical procedure called a corpus callostomy, the Hospital for Sick Children reports.

Protective Headgear

• Individuals with atonic seizures often wear protective headgear to guard against falling injuries, the Epilepsy Foundation notes.