Seizures that cause the muscles to go limp and lead to all or part of the body becoming limp are called atonic seizures. During an atonic seizure, muscle tone is suddenly lost, resulting in limpness or weakness of the muscles, which can cause a person to drop what they are holding or fall down if standing. These seizures are typically very brief, often lasting less than two seconds, and muscle tone returns as soon as the seizure ends. Because of the sudden loss of muscle control, injuries from falls are common in people experiencing atonic seizures.

Atonic seizures involve a temporary loss of muscle strength after abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing the body or parts of it to go limp. They are distinctly different from tonic seizures, which cause muscle stiffness or tightening rather than limpness. After the seizure, muscle control is usually quickly regained, although there can be a short period of paralysis in some cases. Managing and taking precautions for these seizures is important due to the risk of injury.

In summary, seizures affecting muscles and causing limpness in part or all of the body are characteristic of atonic seizures, which cause sudden loss of muscle tone and control. This leads to limpness and potential falls during the seizure episode.