How can you differentiate between myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

Myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome are both conditions that cause muscle weakness, but they have some important differences.

Causes and Symptoms:

• Myasthenia Gravis (MG): This condition is caused by a problem at the connection between nerves and muscles. It often starts with symptoms like droopy eyelids or double vision because it affects the muscles around the eyes and face first.
• Lambert-Eaton Syndrome (LES): This syndrome is also a problem with nerve-muscle communication, but it often begins with weakness in the legs. People with LES might find it hard to get up from a chair or climb stairs.

Diagnosis:

• Electrophysiological Testing: In MG, repetitive nerve stimulation tests may show a decrease in muscle response. In LES, the muscle response might improve after exercise or repeated stimulation.

Understanding these differences helps doctors decide on the best treatment for each condition. Always consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.