Epileptic drop attacks: More than just atonic seizures

"Drop attacks" are not officially defined by the International League Against Epilepsy. Seizures are characterized by a sudden loss of control over the trunk and posture, leading to falls and injuries, and resolving within a few seconds. Accurately diagnosing the type of seizure is usually difficult due to limitations in clinical documentation based on witness or physician inspections. Historically, epileptic drop attacks have been considered primarily-and almost exclusively-atonic seizures. However, numerous studies using simultaneous video-electroencephalography and electromyography recordings have shown that drop attacks are rarely pure atonic seizures but are often epileptic spasms or other types of seizures with increased muscle tone. Some medical treatments reduce the frequency of epileptic drop attacks; however, their effectiveness has not been evaluated based on the type of seizure or pathophysiology. Corpus callosotomy is an effective surgical option that reduces the frequency and severity of epileptic drop attacks, especially in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Recent studies suggest that epileptic spasms are cortically or hemispherically generated seizures and that disconnecting the corpus callosum potentially interrupts bilaterally synchronous seizure activities, supporting the rationale for surgery in patients with epileptic drop attacks. The effectiveness of each treatment should be reevaluated based on seizure type and the pathophysiology of epileptic drop attacks, properly distinguished in the future. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Epileptic drop attacks are sudden falls caused by seizures, often leading to injuries. While these attacks were once thought to be mainly due to atonic seizures, recent studies using video-EEG-electromyography recordings showed that they are more often caused by other types of seizures, such as epileptic spasms. Diagnosing the exact seizure type is complicated but important, as it affects treatment options including surgical approaches like corpus callosotomy. Further studies based on the specific underlying pathophysiology of epileptic drop attacks are needed.