Atonic Seizure Summary 1

ATONIC SEIZURE (DROP SEIZURE) SUMMARY

Back to seizure details
Info icon
Atonic seizures can often be confused with the act of dozing off (ex. an individual nodding off to rest while sitting upright, then abruptly waking up), or a behavioral tic.1-3

LENGTH

Atonic seizures last less than 15 seconds.1

HEAD DROP

The individual's neck muscles go limp, causing their head to suddenly drop or fall forward. Then, they immediately recover.1

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

The rest of the individual's body also goes limp, like a rag doll. If they're sitting, their body may slump forward. If they're standing, they may fall over.1

AFTER THE SEIZURE (POSTICTAL)

The individual may immediately return to normal and continue doing whatever they were doing before.1

REFERENCES

1. Kiriakopoulos E. Epilepsy Foundation. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-types/atonic-seizures 2. Mittal SO. Drugs Context. 2020;9:2019-12-2. 3. Mills S, Hedderly T. Ulster Med J. 2014;83(1):22-30.