banzel connections

Tonic seizures are characterized by a stiffening of muscles lasting from a few seconds to up to a minute. Generally, muscles tighten, eyes roll back, and pupils dilate.¹ Breathing may temporarily stop and heart rate can increase.¹ Tonic seizures usually happen during sleep, but a patient who is standing can be thrown to the ground (a “drop attack”).^1,2

Atonic seizures consist of a brief loss of muscle tone, causing falls (also known as “drop attacks” or “drop seizures”).² They’re usually very brief, lasting only a few seconds.¹

Tonic-clonic seizures begin with stiffening of the limbs (the tonic phase), followed by jerking of the limbs and face (the clonic phase).³

Atypical absence seizures consist of staring spells lasting generally from 5 to 30 seconds, with gradual onset and termination.^1,2 Signs of this type of seizure may include staring, pauses in activity, and a lack of response.¹

Myoclonic seizures are sudden muscle jerks. They usually happen the same way on both sides of the body.³

Clonic seizures are characterized by a pattern of jerking movements.³

Partial seizures are limited to a specific area of the brain and sometimes result in a loss of consciousness.⁴

Recording your child’s seizures

You should monitor your child and try to identify these seizures as they occur. Using a seizure diary or recording a video of an episode, and sharing these with your doctor will help him or her identify the type of seizure. This may help your doctor change treatment as necessary.