Lambert-Eaton myasthenic Syndrome: treatment, cause, prevention, symptom, long-term outlook, risks, complications



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Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

What is Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome?

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a disorder of the neuromuscular junction-the site where nerve cells meet muscle cells and help activate the muscles.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is caused by a disruption of electrical impulses between these nerve and muscle cells. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is an autoimmune condition; in such disorders the immune system, which normally protects the body from foreign organisms, mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The disruption of electrical impulses is associated with antibodies produced as a consequence of this autoimmunity.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome and Cancer

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is closely associated with cancer, in particular small cell lung cancer. More than half the individuals diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome also develop small cell lung cancer. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome may appear up to 3 years before cancer is diagnosed.

Symptoms of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Symptoms of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome develop slowly. The most common symptoms of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are:

Weakness of the upper legs and upper arms that gets worse over time
Muscle weakness
Tingling sensation in the affected areas
Fatigue
Dry mouth, eyes, or skin
Eyelid drooping or double vision

Treatments for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

There is no cure for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Treatment is directed at decreasing the autoimmune response (through the use of steroids, plasmapheresis, or high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin) or improving the transmission of the disrupted electrical impulses by giving drugs such as di-amino pyridine or pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon).

For patients with small cell lung cancer, treatment of the cancer is the first priority.

Prognosis for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

The prognosis for individuals with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome varies. Those with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome not associated with malignancy have a benign overall prognosis. Generally the presence of cancer determines the prognosis.

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