Epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic seizures

**Definition:** Epilepsy beginning between the second and fifth year of life in a previously normal child with family history of seizures, that initially manifests as tonic-clonic seizures with myoclonic-astatic seizures beginning several weeks later. These seizures are characterised by a sudden loss of muscular tonus associated with forward or backward propulsion that may result in injury to the face and head if the patient falls.