Motor

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

search

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, Eaton Lambert Syndrome, Lambert Eaton Syndrome, Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

  • Associated Conditions
  1. Cancer (esp. Small Cell Lung Cancer) in 50% of cases
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Similar to Myasthenia Gravis (in that Acetylcholine is not functional at Synapse)
  2. Calcium channel antibodies block Acetylcholine release from presynaptic terminals
  • Symptoms
  1. Proximal Muscle Weakness and Fatigue (better with use)
    1. Thighs and hips are most affected (contrast with initial bulbar symptoms of myasthenia)
  • Management
  1. Plasmaphoresis
  2. Tumor resection
  3. Avoid provocative agents
    1. Neuromuscular blocking agents
    2. Aminoglycosides
    3. Intravenous Contrast dye