Skip to Content

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; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; LEMS

Causes

Lambert-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

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Weakness or loss of movement that can be more or less severe, including:
    • Difficulty chewing
    • Difficulty climbing stairs
    • Difficulty lifting objects
    • Difficulty talking
    • Drooping head
    • Need to use hands to get up from sitting or lying positions
  • Swallowing difficulty, gagging, or choking
  • Vision changes such as:
    • Blurry vision
    • Double vision
    • Problems keeping a steady gaze

Symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system usually occur, and include:

  • Blood pressure changes
  • Dizziness upon standing
  • Dry mouth

Exams and Tests

A detailed medical history will be taken to determine risk factors, such as a history of certain cancers.

A physical examination shows:

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

Tests to help diagnose and confirm the condition may include:

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

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:

  • Anticholinesterase medications such as neostigmine or pyridostigmine (although these are not very effective when given alone)
  • 3, 4-diaminopyridine, which increase the release of acetylcholine from nerve cells

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

Possible Complications

  • 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 health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.

References

Vincent 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.

Review Date: 8/27/2010
Reviewed By: 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.
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.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request