Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Superficial anterior muscles

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Alternative Names:

Myasthenic syndrome

Symptoms:

Weakness/paralysis that varies in amount
- Drooping head
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Need to use hands to arise from sitting or lying positions
- Difficulty talking
- Difficulty chewing
Swallowing difficulty, gagging or choking
Vision changes
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty maintaining steady gaze

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Blood pressure abnormalities
Dizziness upon standing
Dry mouth

Signs and tests:

An examination shows weakness or paralysis that improves with activity. Reflexes may be decreased. There may be muscle atrophy (loss of muscle tissue).

A Tensilon test can be positive. A baseline muscle strength evaluation is performed. After Tensilon (edrophonium) or other short-acting neurotransmitter is given, there may be a noticeable improvement of function.

EMG and nerve conduction velocity tests may confirm the diagnosis, with improved function as contraction is prolonged or with repetitive stimulation.

Review Date: 7/24/2002
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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