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Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Myasthenic syndrome; Eaton-Lambert syndrome; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; LEMS; LES

 

Lambert-Eaton syndrome (LES) is a rare disorder in which faulty communication between nerves and muscles leads to muscle weakness .

Causes

 

LES is an autoimmune disorder . This means your immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells and tissues in the body. With LES, antibodies  produced by the immune system attack nerve cells. This makes nerves cells unable to release enough of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical transmits impulses between nerves and muscles. The result is muscle weakness.

LES may occur with cancers such as small cell lung cancer  or autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo , which leads to a loss of skin pigment.

 

Symptoms

 

Weakness or loss of movement that can be more or less severe, including:

  • Difficulty climbing stairs or lifting things
  • Drooping of the head
  • The need to use the hands to get up from a sitting or lying position
  • Problems talking
  • Problems chewing or swallowing, which may include gagging or choking
  • Vision changes, such as blurry vision, double vision, and problem keeping a steady gaze

Symptoms related to the other parts of the nervous system often occur, and include:

  • Blood pressure changes
  • Dizziness upon standing
  • Dry mouth

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms. The exam may show:

  • Decreased reflexes
  • Possible loss of muscle tissue
  • Weakness or paralysis that gets slightly better with activity

Tests to help diagnose and confirm LES may include:

  • Blood tests to look for the antibodies that attack the nerves
  • Electromyography (EMG) to test the health of the muscle fibers
  • Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) to test the speed of electrical activity along nerves

 

Treatment

 

The main goals of treatment are to:

  • Identify and treat any underlying disorders, such as lung cancer
  • Give treatment to help with the weakness

Plasma exchange, or plasmapheresis, is a treatment that helps remove from the body any harmful proteins (antibodies) that are interfering with nerve function. This involves removing blood plasma that contains the antibodies . Other proteins (such as albumin) or donated plasma are then infused into the body.

Another procedure involves using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) to infuse a large amount of helpful antibodies directly into the bloodstream.

Medicines that may also be tried include:

  • Drugs that suppress the immune system's response
  • Anticholinesterase drugs to improve muscle tone (although these are not very effective when given alone)
  • Drugs that increase the release of acetylcholine from nerve cells

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Symptoms of LES may improve by treating the underlying disease, suppressing the immune system, or removing the antibodies. However, not everyone responds well to treatment.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of LES may include:

  • Difficulty breathing, including respiratory failure
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Infections, such as pneumonia
  • Injuries from falls and problems with coordination

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if symptoms of LES develop.

 

 

Open References

References

Evoli A, Vincent A. Disorders of neuromuscular transmission. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 422.

Sanders DB, Guptill JT. Disorders of neuromuscular transmission. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 109.

 
  • Superficial anterior muscles

    Superficial anterior muscles - illustration

    Superficial muscles are close to the surface of the skin. Muscles which lie closer to bone or internal organs are called deep muscles.

    Superficial anterior muscles

    illustration

    • Superficial anterior muscles

      Superficial anterior muscles - illustration

      Superficial muscles are close to the surface of the skin. Muscles which lie closer to bone or internal organs are called deep muscles.

      Superficial anterior muscles

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Lambert-Eaton syndrome

           
             

            Review Date: 5/30/2016

            Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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