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Ency. home > Disease > L > Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Myasthenic syndrome

Definition:

Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a condition characterized by muscle weakness that improves with continued contraction of the muscle.

Causes and Risks

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.

Unlike myasthenia gravis, where the neurotransmitter (the chemical that transmits impulses) is blocked because of antibodies to the receptors of the neurotransmitter (acetylcholine), Lambert-Eaton syndrome 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 as a paraneoplastic syndrome or with autoimmune disorders.

Ency. home > Disease > L > Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

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