Enhancing Senior Safety: Using Personal Alarms for Atonic Seizures in Epilepsy

INS LifeGuard • February 14, 2024

Do you have a senior family member suffering from atonic seizures due to epilepsy? While atonic seizures themselves are not typically considered fatal, the potential for injury during a seizure, such as head trauma from falling, could pose serious health risks. Thus, it's crucial for individuals experiencing atonic seizures to develop appropriate management strategies to minimise any associated dangers.

In this blog, we'll discuss how people suffering from atonic seizures due to epilepsy can use personal alarms to enhance safety in their daily lives. By exploring how these devices work, you can mitigate the risk of injury while being able to perform your daily routines with increased confidence. Read this blog to learn more.

What is an atonic seizure?

An atonic seizure, also known as a drop attack, is one of the many types of seizure that can occur as part of specific epilepsy syndromes or generalised epilepsy conditions. It often involves a sudden loss of muscle tone and muscle strength where one part of the brain experiences a sudden and brief disruption in its electrical activity.

While atonic seizures can occur in seniors due to underlying conditions, it's important to understand that individuals of all ages might also experience them due to other types of seizures, like tonic or myoclonic atonic seizures.

During an atonic seizure, the affected individual may experience muscle contractions or spasms, causing them to collapse or fall without any warning. Thus, treating atonic seizures may involve changing one's lifestyle, taking antiepileptic medications, and, in some cases, undergoing therapeutic interventions.

What are the types of Atonic Seizures?

Atonic seizures can be categorised as focal motor atonic seizure or generalized onset atonic seizure. When the atonic seizure occurs throughout the entire brain, it is identified as a generalized atonic seizure. Hence, in most cases, atonic seizures are primarily classified as generalized seizures.

There are six types of generalized seizures:

Absence seizures (petit mal)
Atypical absence seizures
Atonic seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal)
Clonic seizures
Tonic seizures
Myoclonic seizures

What causes atonic seizures?

Atonic seizures are often caused by epilepsy, a complex neurological disorder characterised by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However, based on certain findings, other potential triggers or causes of drop seizures may include the following:

genetics
sleep deprivation
stress and anxiety
head injuries
infections
certain neurological conditions
hormonal changes
physical exhaustion

How is atonic seizure diagnosed?

Diagnosing atonic seizures is important to understand clearly the specific type of seizure and be able to develop an effective treatment plan.

Medical professionals typically use EEG recordings to further diagnose atonic seizures and determine the most appropriate course of treatment. However, if the doctor cannot successfully diagnose atonic seizures from the EEG results, they may need to use a combination of clinical evaluations, and other diagnostic tests to check for changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm.

Common diagnostic tests include:

Clinical history
Physical examination
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Video EEG monitoring
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Blood tests
Neuropsychological testing

If the atonic seizure occurred due to epilepsy, the neurologist may tailor the treatment approach based on the identified epilepsy syndrome or specific characteristics of the seizures. This could involve the prescription of antiepileptic medications, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing monitoring to manage and reduce the frequency of seizures.

However, if traditional anti-epileptic medications do not respond well to the individual, Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may offer an alternative approach to managing epilepsy. The implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator allows for ongoing, controlled electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve, potentially providing additional seizure control.

How often do atonic seizures occur?

Atonic seizures can occur sporadically or in clusters. While some individuals may have them daily, others may experience them once a month, or more frequently. It's important to note that not all individuals who have epilepsy will necessarily experience atonic seizures. However, their occurrence may be influenced by the following factors:

lifestyle factors
stress levels
overall health
effectiveness of the prescribed treatment

Atonic seizures are highly individualised, and their frequency may change over time. That's why regular follow-up with healthcare professionals is essential to assess factors that trigger seizures and to determine if the current treatment plan is effective in order to make adjustments as needed.

What is the best way to help people with atonic seizures?

Supporting individuals who experience atonic seizures due to epilepsy involves a multifaceted approach to enhance their safety, well-being, and overall quality of life. Here are key strategies to provide assistance:

Medication

Depending on the individual's condition, it is best to consult with a neurologist or medical professional first before taking any anti-epileptic or anti-seizure medication such as:

valproic acid
topiramate
zonisamide
levetiracetam
lamotrigine
clonazepam
chlorazepate
lorazepam
clobazam
rufinamide
felbamate

Dietary Therapies

If medications prove ineffective, alternative dietary therapies such as ketogenic, low glycemic, modified Atkins diet, vagus nerve stimulation, or the split-brain operation (callosotomy) might be considered as potential options. The type of therapy to try depends on whether the seizure occurred in one part or both sides.

Psychosocial Support

Offer emotional support and create an understanding and supportive environment. You can join support groups or connect with organisations that are focused on epilepsy to share experiences and receive guidance from others facing similar challenges. This way, you can exchange coping strategies, learn about new developments in seizure management, and navigate the emotional aspects of living with atonic seizures.

Lifestyle Modifications

Having a healthy lifestyle can significantly contribute to seizure control. This involves prioritising regular sleep patterns, effectively managing stress levels through relaxation techniques, and maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. By consistently adhering to these lifestyle factors, individuals who experience atonic seizures can minimise their triggers and optimise their overall well-being.

Create a Safe Environment

Atonic seizures are dangerous, especially because they often occur without warning. That's why creating a safe environment is crucial to mitigate the risks of serious injury. Removing sharp objects, using safety padding, and securing furniture can help prevent accidents during drop attacks. By adapting safety measures based on the individual's seizure patterns, you can further protect them and reduce the potential dangers associated with atonic seizures.

INS LifeGuard offers a range of specialised alarm products that are particularly useful for individuals with epilepsy-related atonic seizures. Here are a few solutions designed to deliver fast, reliable help, even when pressing a button isn’t possible.

Which INS LifeGuard Products Help During Atonic Seizures?

For individuals at risk of drop attacks or sudden loss of muscle control, INS LifeGuard offers specialised technologies designed to detect events like falls or changes in body position, even when the person is unable to press a button. These products provide an added layer of protection and ensure help can be summoned without delay.

Here are some of the most suitable solutions:

Seizure Mat Sensor

What it is: A pressure-sensitive mat placed under a mattress or chair.
How it works: Detects repetitive or convulsive movement patterns typically associated with seizures.
Ideal for: Night-time monitoring or for clients who have seizures during rest or sleep.
Benefits: Automatically triggers an alert to our 24/7 Nurse-staffed Emergency Response Centre without the need for manual activation.

Bed/Chair Exit Sensor

What it is: A sensor pad that monitors when someone leaves their bed or chair.
How it works: Sends an alert if the individual gets up unexpectedly, indicating a fall or sudden movement.
Ideal for: Seniors or individuals prone to seizures who may fall or collapse suddenly.
Benefits: Enables passive monitoring for those unable to trigger a manual alarm.

Fall Detection Pendant

What it is: A wearable device with built-in fall detection technology.
How it works: Automatically recognises a fall and sends an alert, even if the user is unconscious or unable to press the button.
Ideal for: Anyone at risk of sudden drop seizures or falls.
Benefits: Offers immediate response in critical situations where manual activation isn’t possible.

Voice Activation and Breath-Activated Alarms

What it is: Alarms triggered by voice command or a gentle puff of air.
How it works: Allows users to summon help without using their hands.
Ideal for: Individuals with limited dexterity, mobility impairments, or post-seizure fatigue.
Benefits: Maintains independence while ensuring emergency support is always accessible.

Customised Solutions (e.g. Jelly Bean Button, Sip-and-Puff, Head Switches)

What it is: Adaptive interfaces tailored to the user's specific needs.
How it works: Devices like Jelly Bean switches, Sip-and-Puff, Head Switches can be integrated with our systems, depending on compatibility.
Ideal for: Clients with advanced physical disabilities or complex care requirements.
Benefits: Flexible solutions that ensure no one is left without access to vital safety support.

Need help choosing the right solution?

Speak to one of our team members, we’ll work with you to assess your needs and recommend the most effective personal alarm setup for your situation. Call us on 1800 636 040

Use of Personal Alarms

Personal alarms are designed to provide immediate assistance to individuals who are in an emergency or those who experience atonic seizures as a result of epilepsy. These devices often come equipped with one-touch emergency buttons and fall detection features that are particularly valuable in situations where the person may be alone.

How do personal alarms enhance safety for those with epilepsy-related atonic seizures?

Personal alarms significantly enhance safety for individuals experiencing atonic seizures. Among these, INS LifeGuard's personal alarms stand out as particularly beneficial due to their comprehensive features. Here are some of the ways that personal alarms make people safer during drop seizures:

Immediate Assistance

Since drop attacks can occur at any time, having a personal alarm ensures that help is accessible whenever needed. INS LifeGuard's personal alarms include a 24/7 personal emergency button that enables immediate contact with a highly qualified and experienced nurse in the Emergency Response Centre. Not to mention, it also has GPS location tracking that allows responders to find the user's location accurately.

Real-time Communication

INS LifeGuard's personal alarms have a two-way communication feature that enables individuals with atonic seizures to interact directly with their caregivers or emergency responders. This real-time communication not only allows for the immediate exchange of information about the individual's condition but also provides them with comforting reassurance during a distressing situation.

Promotes Independence

Knowing that they have a personal alarm allows individuals with atonic seizures to be more independent. This can boost their confidence and encourage them to engage in daily activities without constant concern about the potential consequences of an atonic seizure. Whether at home, outdoors, or in public spaces, personal alarms are readily available to signal for help.

Portable and Easy to Use

INS LifeGuard's personal alarms are compact and portable, allowing individuals with atonic seizures and epilepsy to carry them wherever they go. They also come with a one-touch emergency button which is easy to use, so they can activate it quickly during or after a seizure. Not to mention, it also has an automatic fall detection feature to automatically trigger an alert in the event of a fall, even if the individual is unable to activate the emergency button.

Offers Peace of Mind

Personal alarms not only bring security to those who experience drop attacks but they also offer peace of mind to caregivers and family members. Knowing that immediate assistance is just a button press away, carers can have greater confidence that their loved ones can receive help quickly even if they are not immediately present.

Takeaway

Treating atonic seizures and addressing epilepsy symptoms are essential for improving overall quality of life. Beyond medication and lifestyle changes, individuals can take other practical steps to enhance their safety and well-being. The use of personal alarms provides an added layer of safety by assisting individuals in promptly alerting emergency responders during atonic seizures. This not only minimises risks during drop attacks but also gives them more confidence and freedom to move around in different places.

If you or your elderly loved one is suffering from atonic seizures due to epilepsy, INS LifeGuard offers wearable personal alarm devices that individuals with atonic seizures can use while going about their daily activities. These personal alarms are designed to provide continuous protection in your everyday life. For more information regarding our products, call 1800 636 040 or explore our website.

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INS LifeGuard is the only 24/7 nurse on-call personal and medical monitoring in Australia. We provide monitoring technology for both in the home and on the go and can also monitor other provider's equipment. Our services are suitable for anyone wanting support to stay independent such as the elderly, those with medical conditions and disabilities plus enhancing safety and security for lone workers.

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INS LifeGuard is the only nurse on-call personal and medical alarm service in Australia. If you would like more information about INS LifeGuards solutions, visit our website here.