Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a disorder of the neuromuscular junction-the site where nerve cells meet muscle cells and help activate the muscles. It is caused by a disruption of electrical impulses between these nerve and muscle cells. LEMS is an autoimmune condition; in such disorders the immune system, which normally protects the body from foreign organisms, mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The disruption of electrical impulses is associated with antibodies produced as a consequence of this autoimmunity. Symptoms include muscle weakness, a tingling sensation in the affected areas, fatigue, and dry mouth. LEMS is closely associated with cancer, in particular small cell lung cancer. More than half the individuals diagnosed with LEMS also develop small cell lung cancer. LEMS may appear up to 3 years before cancer is diagnosed. There is no cure for LEMS. Treatment is directed at decreasing the autoimmune response (through the use of steroids, plasmapheresis, or high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin) or improving the transmission of the disrupted electrical impulses by giving drugs such as di-amino pyridine or pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon). For patients with small cell lung cancer, treatment of the cancer is the first priority. The prognosis for individuals with LEMS varies. Those with LEMS not associated with malignancy have a benign overall prognosis. Generally the presence of cancer determines the prognosis. The NINDS supports research on neuromuscular disorders such as LEMS with the ultimate goal of finding ways to treat, prevent, and cure them. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=lambert-eaton+myasthenic+syndrome+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/lambert_eaton/pubs_lambert_eaton.htm /disorders/lambert_eaton/xml_lambert_eaton.xml xml_lambert_eaton.xml V23 American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

22100 Gratiot Avenue

Eastpointe MI 48021-2227 aarda@aarda.org http://www.aarda.org 586-776-3900 800-598-4668 586-776-3903 National organization that works to alleviate suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity. Dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases through fostering and facilitating collaboration in the areas of education, research, and patient services. V160 Muscular Dystrophy Association

3300 East Sunrise Drive

Tucson AZ 85718-3208 mda@mdausa.org http://www.mda.org 520-529-2000 800-572-1717 520-529-5300 Voluntary health agency that fosters neuromuscular disease research and provides patient care funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA addresses the muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, ALS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, myasthenia gravis, Friedreich's ataxia, metabolic diseases of muscle, and inflammatory diseases of muscle, for a total of more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. V91 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

55 Kenosia Avenue

Danbury CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) 203-798-2291 Federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.