PROXIMAL MUSCLE WEAKNESS
A hallmark sign of LEMS affecting up to 97% of patients2
Onset typically begins in the upper legs and hips, including the pelvic girdle1,2
- Weakness may lead to an unsteady walking gait5,6
Weakness typically spreads upward affecting arm muscles1
- Weakness may also spread downward impacting distal leg muscles2
AUTONOMIC SYMPTOMS
Dry mouth is the most common autonomic symptom of LEMS2
- Patients may complain of dry mouth and/or difficulty swallowing8
Other common signs of autonomic dysfunction in LEMS include:
- Constipation (34%)2
- Orthostatic hypotension (29%)7
- Impotence (65%)2
OCULOBULBAR SYMPTOMS
Up to 80% of LEMS patients have oculobulbar involvement2
Common ocular symptoms include ptosis (drooping eyelids) and diplopia (double vision)3,4
Other signs of oculobulbar involvement may include3,7:
- Disconjugate gaze
- Involuntary lid closure
- Prolonged upgaze
- Dilated pupils
- Poorly reactive pupils
HYPOREFLEXIA OR AREFLEXIA
90% of LEMS patients have absent or diminished tendon reflexes1
- Even muscles with relatively normal clinical strength may be affected1
Tendon reflexes in LEMS patients typically improve following a brief voluntary muscle contraction, but fatigue returns immediately1,2