drop attacks

Last reviewed 01/2018

Drop attacks describes the sudden falling to one's knees without loss of consciousness and without warning. Recovery is immediate.

Possible cause of drop attacks include:

  • colloid cyst - this may cause a transient blockage of the cerebral aqueduct (like a ball-valve)
  • vertebro-basilar stroke
  • spondylotic osteophytes impinging on vertebral arteries with cranial rotation
  • idiopathic

Often the attacks spontaneously stop after a year or two.