Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS, sometimes Lambert–Eaton syndrome or Eaton–Lambert syndrome) is a rare autoimmune disorder that is characterised by muscle weakness of the limbs. It is the result of an autoimmune reaction, where antibodies are formed against presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels in the neuromuscular junction (the connection between nerves and the muscle that they supply). Around 60% of those with LEMS have an underlyi...
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Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS, sometimes Lambert–Eaton syndrome or Eaton–Lambert syndrome) is a rare autoimmune disorder that is characterised by muscle weakness of the limbs. It is the result of an autoimmune reaction, where antibodies are formed against presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels in the neuromuscular junction (the connection between nerves and the muscle that they supply). Around 60% of those with LEMS have an underlying malignancy, most commonly small cell lung cancer; it is therefore regarded as a paraneoplastic syndrome (a condition that arises as a result of cancer elsewhere in the body).
People who develop LEMS are usually over 40, although it may occur at any age. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with electromyography and blood tests; these also distinguish it from myasthenia gravis (MG), a related autoimmune neuromuscular disease.
If the disease is associated with cancer, direct treatment of the cancer often relieves the symptoms of LEMS. Other...
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