A seizure that causes a sudden loss of muscle strength, causing a person to go limp. The person may drop things or fall, possibly causing injury. Atonic seizures are also called “drop attacks” or “drop seizures.”

A seizure that causes muscles to go back and forth between tightening and relaxing. The person may make jerky movements with their arms or legs.

A seizure that causes brief, shock-like jerks. The person usually has muscle jerks at the same time.

A seizure that causes muscles to contract strongly and become intensely stiff. The person may fall if standing when the seizure starts.

The seizures that most people think of as epilepsy.

• First, during the tonic part, the muscles of the body tighten strongly and may cause the person to fall
• Then, during the clonic part, arms and legs jerk in a repeated pattern
• Other symptoms during the seizure include: crying out, biting the tongue or cheek, difficulty breathing, pale skin, and losing bladder control