Seizure “without tone,” so in an atonic seizure, muscles suddenly lose strength. The eyelids may droop, the head may nod, and the person may drop things and often falls to the ground. These seizures are also called “drop attacks” or “drop seizures.” The person usually remains conscious. These seizures typically last less than 15 seconds. They often start in childhood yet last into adulthood. Many people with atonic seizures are injured when they fall, so they may choose to use protection such as a helmet.

Should be distinguished from similar looking attacks that may occur in cataplexy.

Corpus callosotomy continue to play a role in select patients with intractable atonic seizures ¹⁾.