Tests for LEMS

Your GP will first check your medical history, ask about your symptoms, carry out a physical examination, and test your reflexes.

If they think you have a problem with your nerves, they may refer you to a specialist called a neurologist for further tests to determine the cause.

Tests you mayhave include:

  • blood tests ablood test can detect substances in the blood (antibodies) resulting from the immune system attacking the nerves
  • nerve studies a needle may be inserted into your skin to check how well signals are reaching the muscles from the nerves
  • scans you may have a computerised tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan to check for lung cancer

If initialscans don'tfind cancer, you may be advised to have regular scans every few months for a few years to check that it doesn't develop later on.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018