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Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
Alternate Names : Myasthenic Syndrome
DefinitionLambert-Eaton syndrome is characterized by muscle weakness that improves with continued contraction of the muscle.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Lambert-Eaton syndrome (myasthenic syndrome) is a disorder with symptoms very similar to those of myasthenia gravis. There is muscle weakness associated with disturbed communication between nerves and muscles.
In myasthenia gravis, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (the chemical that transmits impulses between nerves and muscles) is blocked by antibodies to its receptor. In Lambert-Eaton syndrome, however, the signal distortion is caused by an insufficient release of neurotransmitter by the nerve cell. As muscle contraction is continued, the amount of neurotransmitter may build up in sufficient quantities and result in increased strength.
The disorder may be associated with small-cell carcinoma of the lung and other malignancies as a paraneoplastic syndrome or with autoimmune disorders.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Cancer
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• Myasthenia Gravis
Tests & Exams
• Electromyography
• Nerve Conduction Velocity
• Tensilon Test
Other Topics
• Antibody
• Breathing Difficulty
• Heimlich Maneuver
• Immune Response
• Muscle Atrophy
• Muscle Cramps
• Muscle Function Loss
• Speech Impairment (Adult)
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Vision Problems
• Weakness
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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