A rare autoimmune disorder where our body own immune/defence system attacks our nerves and muscles by producing antibodies which stops calcium entering our nerves endings and thus prevent the adequate release of neurotransmitters acetylcholine (the chemical signals between our nerves to muscles).
Specifically, the immune system attacks the calcium channels on nerve endings that are required to trigger the release of chemicals (acetylcholine). With fewer calcium channels, the nerve ending releases less acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that triggers muscle contraction. In people with LEMS, the lowered levels of acetylcholine are not sufficient to cause normal muscle contractions, causing muscle weakness.
Initially, LEMS can cause weakness in the upper legs and hips, leading to difficulty walking, and weakness in the upper arms and shoulders, which can make self-care difficult. Like myasthenia gravis (MG), it also can result and/or followed by weakness of the eye muscles and those involved in talking, swallowing, and chewing, but these symptoms are usually mild.
www.mda.org
It tends to be diagnosed in children under the age of ten years old or over the age of 40 years old
Our body own immune/defence system attacks our nerves and muscles by producing antibodies prevent the adequate release of neurotransmitters (the chemical signals between our nerves to muscles).
Source: https://www.mda.org ' Muscles that tend to be affected'
Symptoms
Eye(s)/eyelid muscles drooping causing blurred or double vision any visual problems, colour blindness, double vision, vision loss, difficulty focusing, and/or pain behind eye (One or both eyes can be affected)?
Muscles on the face affected, is one showing a change in facial expression e.g. a snarling smile?
Difficulty using arms, body and legs, lack of stamina and/or walking difficulties?
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Lambert-Eaton Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
