What Does Drop Seizure Mean?

Drop seizure, also known as atonic, myoclonic-astatic epileptic (MAE) seizure or doose syndrome is a rare epileptic condition that results in a sudden loss of muscle strength and the patient falling to the ground. Each seizure lasts approximately 15 seconds. The condition usually begins in childhood.

Seizure

Drop seizure patients experience a loss of muscle tone or strength, and they suddenly drop to the ground often resulting in injuries to the body and head.

Children Affected

Drop seizure is a genetic condition that typically appears in children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years and typically is outgrown sometime during childhood. Boys are more likely to be affected.

Treatment

The condition affects children in varying degrees and is not easy to control. Antiepileptic medications or steroids may be prescribed and according to the MAE parental support website, studies support a high fat, low-protein diet as beneficial.

Protecting Patients

Parents of children with this condition must pay particular attention to the child's environment. Child-proofing the home, vigilant supervision of the child around water and safety tools, such as waering a helmet, are some of the steps parents should consider.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Patients tend to recover quickly from the seizure. Patients suffering injury who do not regain consciousness or whose seizures last more than five minutes should seek medical attention.

References

• Epilepsy Seizures
• Doose Syndrome

Resources

• Coping with Epilepsy
• Epilepsy Foundation