Symptoms typically appear in your legs first, then in your shoulders and arms, and later the muscles of your eyes and those used for speaking and swallowing. Trouble breathing (dyspnea) is a late-stage symptom. Antibodies against P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels are found in 85% to 95% of patients with LEMS. Some cases of LEMS are considered paraneoplastic, meaning they occur in the presence of malignancy.
Trouble Walking
Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, or LEMS, is a rare condition that affects the nerves that send signals to muscles. Common symptoms of Lambert-Eaton syndrome begin in the hip and thigh muscles, then spread to other muscles that move your arms and legs. Later, they may also weaken muscles that control breathing and blood pressure. Weakness develops slowly over weeks or months. But if the cancer that causes LEMS is in your lungs, it can develop much faster. Your GP can check for Lambert-Eaton Syndrome by talking with you, doing a physical exam, and ordering a blood test. These can show if you have antibodies that attack the connections between nerves and muscles. If you have Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, your healthcare provider can recommend treatment to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. That includes medicines to suppress your immune system or help strengthen the signals between your nerves and muscles. In some cases, treating cancer-causing your Lambert-Eaton Syndrome can also help. Getting support can also help you feel better about living with this condition.
Weak Muscles
Getting up from a chair or climbing the stairs can be challenging when muscles weaken. Muscle weakness that happens suddenly is often a sign of a severe health problem like a stroke, so seeing a doctor immediately is essential. In Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, the immune system’s natural defenses mistakenly attack where nerve cells meet muscle fibers (neuromuscular junction). The antibodies in LEMS bind to and block calcium channels that generally open at the end of nerve cells, which slows down the flow of chemical signals needed to make muscles contract. LEMS causes muscle weakness in the legs and arms, making walking or climbing stairs difficult. It can also cause a tingling feeling in the hands and feet, leading to breathing problems. The weakness in LEMS usually develops slowly over weeks to months. It can affect all the muscles in one body area or just a few. Weakness can be a tip-off for cancer, sometimes leading doctors to diagnose small-cell lung cancer.
Tingling
Tingling is a vital sign that something could be wrong with your body. It’s often caused by a loss of blood flow to your extremities, such as when you cross your legs for long periods or sleep in a position that compresses the nerves in your arms or feet. It can also happen because of spinal nerve compression, like in a herniated disc, or due to thyroid hormone problems and multiple sclerosis. Tingling can also be a side effect of some medications, including chemotherapy, HIV medicines, and metronidazole. If you’re taking these medications and experiencing tingling, talk to your doctor about it. Another cause of tingling can be a medical condition called Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system creates antibodies against pre-synaptic voltage-gated calcium channels on nerve cells, interfering with regular calcium influx and the release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This leads to muscle weakness and fatigue. LEMS is classified as paraneoplastic when associated with small-cell lung cancer or idiopathic when not. The symptoms are mainly in the limbs but can also affect the torso and neck.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a general feeling of lack of energy and motivation. It is different from drowsiness which can occur when a person sleeps. Fatigue is usually a symptom of an illness and can often be relieved by treating the illness. Fatigue can be a common complaint for people with many conditions, including Lambert-Eaton Syndrome. However, it is essential to remember that fatigue is not a lone symptom and should be evaluated with other symptoms to ensure a diagnosis is made and the cause is treated. A physical cause for fatigue can result from disrupted sleep or a nutrient deficiency needed for good health. A mental or emotional cause can be depression, stress, or a combination. Your doctor or physiotherapist can recommend relaxation techniques and self-assessment questionnaires that can help reduce fatigue. If these are not helpful, your doctor may be able to refer you to a psychologist or therapist specializing in dealing with fatigue and other psychiatric problems.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth (called xerostomia) occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This condition can lead to poor oral hygiene and other health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes acids that attack the teeth. It also provides a first-line defense against infection and helps us taste our food. In addition, saliva is essential in securing loose acrylic dentures to the gum tissues. Medications that can cause dry mouth include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and diuretics.
Additionally, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can damage the salivary glands. Aging can also contribute to dry mouth. It’s common for older adults to experience dry mouth. But if you’re experiencing persistently dry mouth or notice that your mouth is drier than usual, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They can evaluate the symptoms and determine the underlying causes. You may need to change your medications, chew sugarless gum or suck on hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. A humidifier in the bedroom can help prevent excessive dry mouth at night, especially if you snore or breathe during sleep.
