Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a disorder in which faulty communication between nerves and muscles leads to muscle weakness .
Alternative NamesMyasthenic syndrome; Eaton-Lambert syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsLambert-Eaton syndrome occurs when nerves cells do not release enough of a chemical called acetylcholine, which transmits impulses between nerves and muscles.
The result is muscle weakness and other symptoms similar to myasthenia gravis. However, as the muscles continue to contract, the chemical (acetylcholine) can build up in sufficient quantities for strength to get slightly better.
Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be associated with cancers such as small-cell lung cancer and autoimmune disorders.
SymptomsAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
A physical examination shows weakness or paralysis that gets slightly better with activity. Reflexes may be decreased. There may be loss of muscle tissue.
Tests to help diagnose and confirm the condition may include:
TreatmentThe main goal of treatment is to identify and treat any underlying disorders.
A method called plasmapheresis may improve symptoms. Plasmapheresis involves removing blood plasma from the body and replaced it with fluid, protein, or donated plasma. This helps to make sure that any harmful proteins (antibodies) that are interfering with nerve function are removed from the body.
Medications that suppress the immune response, such as prednisone, may improve symptoms in some cases. Medications may also include:
The symptoms of Lambert Eaton syndrome may improve with treatment of the underlying disease or by suppressing the immune system. However, not all people respond well to treatment.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.
Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a disorder in which faulty communication between nerves and muscles leads to muscle weakness.
Alternative NamesMyasthenic syndrome; Eaton-Lambert syndrome; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; LEMS
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsLambert-Eaton syndrome occurs when nerves cells do not release enough of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical transmits impulses between nerves and muscles.
The result is muscle weakness and other symptoms similar to myasthenia gravis. However, unlike myasthenia gravis, as the muscles continue to contract, acetylcholine can build up in large enough amounts for strength to improve slightly. Instead of the muscle getting quickly weaker as it contracts repeatedly, it gets stronger for a short period of time.
Lambert-Eaton syndrome may occur with cancers such as small cell lung cancer or autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo, which leads to a loss of skin pigment.
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
Symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system usually occur, and include:
A detailed medical history will be taken to determine risk factors, such as a history of certain cancers.
A physical examination shows:
Tests to help diagnose and confirm the condition may include:
The main goals of treatment are to:
A treatment called plasma exchange usually improves symptoms. Plasma exchange involves removing blood plasma from the body and replacing it with donated plasma. This helps to make sure that any harmful proteins (antibodies) that are interfering with nerve function are removed from the body.
Plasmapheresis may also be effective. During this treatment, the blood is removed from the body. The plasma is separated, the antibodies are removed, and the plasma is returned to the body.
Medications that suppress the immune response, such as prednisone, may improve symptoms in some cases. Medications may also include:
The symptoms of Lambert-Eaton syndrome may improve by treating the underlying disease, suppressing the immune system, or removing the antibodies. However, not everyone responds well to treatment.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.
ReferencesVincent A, Newsom-Davis J. Disorders of neuromuscular transmission. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 448.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/27/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Syndactyly is a characteristic of Apert syndrome, Poland syndrome, Jarcho-Levin syndrome, oral-facial-digital syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Edwards syndrome
Stockholm syndrome.
The Koro syndrome is a culture-specific syndrome. The individual with Koro syndrome has an overpowering belief that his or her genitals are retracting and disappearing.
Syndactyly is a characteristic of Apert syndrome, Poland syndrome, Jarcho-Levin syndrome, oral-facial-digital syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Edwards syndrome.
XXXY Syndrome and Barr-Shaver-Carr Syndrome are the same.
Cushing's Syndrome
Disorders, such as Down's Syndrome, are caused by nondisjunction.
yes there is.
what is kinefelter syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder, as is Down syndrome. But they are not the same. Angelman Syndrome involves a deletion of Chromosome 15, whereas people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of Chromosome 21.
also known as Martin-Bell syndrome, Marker X syndrome, and FRAXA syndrome
Alport Syndrome