Guide To Treating Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs that stop the body from its normal breakdown process of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The body uses an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase to break acetylcholine down into a substance that is no longer active. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome causes a decrease in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to begin with. Thus, the symptoms can be treated by using a drug to stop the body from undergoing the normal breakdown process of that neurotransmitter. If an individual who does not have Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome takes cholinesterase inhibitors, it could result in a harmful hyperactive state of the nervous system from excessive impulse conduction. The utilization of these drugs essentially increases the overall concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which will help the impulses travel normally between the muscle cells and the nerve cells. Cholinesterase inhibitors do not work as rapidly as other temporary forms of treatment for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. However, they do effectively reduce muscle weakness and other problematic symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty walking, eyelid drooping, and tingling sensations in the extremities.