Without warning, a child abruptly loses consciousness, collapses and falls to the floor. There is no convulsion, but children may bang their heads as they fall.
Recovery occurs after a few seconds.
The child regains consciousness, and can again stand and walk. Atonic seizures may occur with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome . They sometimes resist anticonvulsant medication. If so, the child may have to wear a helmet to prevent head injuries.