Living with Eaton-Lambert syndrome
A rare condition in which antibodies disrupt signals between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness, tiredness, and dry mouth.
Understanding Eaton-Lambert syndrome
Antibodies interfere with the electrical signals that pass from nerve cells to muscle cells. It may be linked with other autoimmune diseases, or more often occur with or before a diagnosis of cancer such as small cell lung cancer. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, tingling, tiredness, and dry mouth. It begins in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Weakness in muscles near the center of the body
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Reduced reflexes
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Tiredness and tingling
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute and Muscular Dystrophy Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute, Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says antibodies cause the condition by interfering with signals between nerve and muscle cells. It may be linked to other autoimmune diseases or to cancer, such as small cell lung cancer.
Also known as: eaton lambert syndrome; lambert eaton myasthenic syndrome; lambert eaton syndrome; lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome; lambert-eaton syndrome; lems
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationEaton-Lambert syndrome · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteEaton-Lambert syndrome · United States
- Muscular Dystrophy AssociationEaton-Lambert syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Eaton-Lambert syndrome.
Explore research for Eaton-Lambert syndrome
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