Definition

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and easy fatigability, particularly in the pelvic muscles and thighs.

Description

In order to understand Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, it's important to have some understanding of the basics of nerve transmission and stimulation of muscle movement. Nerve impulses in the body are electrical and chemical currents that travel down a nerve fiber. When they reach the end of that nerve fiber, they trigger the release of the neurotransmitter chemical acetylcholine. Acetycholine must cross a tiny gap called the synapse in order to stimulate the muscle to contract. The nerves leading to the synapse or synaptic junction are called the presynaptic nerves.

In the case of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, the body's immune system accidentally treats specialized areas (called calcium channels) along the presynaptic...