Tonic seizures
Tonic seizures are fairly uncommon. They occur mostly in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of generalized epilepsy that begins during early childhood. (Children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may also have atonic seizures.)
When a tonic seizure occurs, the muscles in the body suddenly contract and the entire body stiffens. This occurs suddenly, without warning, and often causes the person to fall down.
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People who have tonic or atonic seizures are likely to be injured when they fall. Children may have to wear helmets and restrict their activities to prevent serious injury.
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