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What Causes Muscle Aches When Suffering From Lambert-eaton Syndrome?

Posted on Wed, 9 Jul 2014

Question: i am a 29yo male. I have Lambert-Eaton Syndrome. for the last 2 weeks my muscles have hurt especially bad. I thought I slept funky and strained the muscle in my left shoulder. it doesn't get better and it's been quite awhile. I do not have a local primary care doctor as I moved to my area recently. I also have a mild tear in my L Rotor Cuff. should I get it looked at or just wait it out a bit longer?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Autoimmune disorder; treatment received?

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting
I have studied your case carefully and as you might know Lambert-Eaton Syndrome is autoimmune disorder. In this syndrome, substances produced by the immune system attack nerve cells.
Please tell me the medicine you are taking in your reply? As you need certain drug's effective in controlling the symptoms.
Meanwhile you may take safe pain killer drugs like tramadol (prescription drug) along with Ice fomentation and local analgesic gel application.
A word of caution excessive physical exercises/stress and exposure to high temperature worsen the condition, so try to avoid them.
Looking forward to your reply and I shall be glad to answer any further query
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 minutes later)

Thanks for answering. I'm not currently on medication as I'm a Mayo Clinic patient and as of April there was no tumor and my EMG wasn't too bad so they gave no diagnosis even though my P/Q antibodies was at 0.22. As the PET Scan came back with no malignancy, I was told not to worry about the antibodies and that they were a 2nd false positive since nothing showed up. I have stressed the fact that the EMG may be normal, yet my legs don't hold up for more than a few minutes at a time. I have tried a different Neurologist but they don't want to go further as Mayo is some of the best and they don't feel comfortable giving a diagnosis if Mayo-Rochester would not. so I am in a tough spot

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Drug's given to reduce Immunity, may help

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It’s good to see you
After going through the whole discussion and your reply I can understand your situation. My suggestion for you is divided in two parts-
1.To confirm the Diagnosis-Do you have symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system usually occur, and include- Blood pressure changes, Dizziness upon standing, Dry mouth, Swallowing difficulty, gagging, Vision changes such as :blurry vision Double vision Problems keeping a steady gaze.
2. Empirical trial- Medications that suppress immune response such as prednisone may improve your symptoms .These may be given to reduce your suffering till we reach some diagnosis. The other useful medicines are:-
A)-Ant cholinesterase medications such as neostigmine or pyridostigmine.
B)-3, 4-diaminopyridine, which increases the release of acetylcholine from nerve cells.
You may discuss these issues with the treating doctor.

Hope this helps in reaching some conclusion and may reduce your suffering.
Take care and God bless you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (48 minutes later)

Over the last 6-7 weeks I've noticed dry mouth and also my eyes have had quite a bit of difficulty focusing. would you suggest meeting with an optometrist to make sure there's no problems? also, what would you suggest I do about my Neurology dillema?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not lose hope; you will get over it

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Yes, you may visit an Eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) for his opinion and treatment. Regarding dilemma, as I told you earlier you may have drug’s like prednisone/neostigmine to have some relief from suffering after discussion with the treating doctor’s at mayo clinic. This will help you in two ways-
1. Will give immediate relief from suffering.
2. Help in reaching a diagnosis.
Wishing you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar