Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Alternative names:

myasthenic syndrome

Symptoms:

• vision changes
  • double vision
  • difficulty maintaining steady gaze

• swallowing difficulty, gagging or choking
• weakness/paralysis that varies in amount
  • drooping head
  • poor posture
  • difficulty climbing stairs
  • difficulty lifting objects
  • need to use hands to arise from sitting or lying positions
  • difficulty talking
  • difficulty chewing

Note: Symptoms are less prominent than those of myasthenia gravis.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• muscle contractions
• muscle atrophy
• mouth sores
• hoarseness or changing voice
• fatigue
• facial paralysis

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 is a noticeable improvement of function.

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