Health Encyclopedia

Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Myasthenic syndrome; Eaton-Lambert syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Lambert-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.

Symptoms

Weakness or loss of movement that varies in severity, such as:
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Difficulty talking
- Drooping head
- Need to use hands to arise from sitting or lying positions
Swallowing difficulty, gagging, or choking
Vision changes such as:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Problems maintaining a steady gaze

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Blood pressure changes
Dizziness upon standing
Dry mouth

Signs and tests

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:

Treatment

The 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:

Anticholinesterase medications such as Neostigmine or Pyridostigmine
3, 4-diaminopyridine, which increase the release of acetylcholine from nerve cells

Expectations (prognosis)

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.

Complications

Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.

Review Date:9/16/2008
Reviewed By: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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.