Treatments for LEMS

There's currently no cure for LEMS, but a number of treatments can help reduce the symptoms.

These include:

  • treatment for lung cancer if you have lung cancer, treating it can significantly improve the symptoms of LEMS
  • medicationtohelp nerve signals reach the muscles commonly used medicines include3,4-diaminopyridine and pyridostigmine
  • medication to reduce the activity of the immune system (immunosuppressants) commonly used medicines include steroid tablets (prednisolone),azathioprineand methotrexate
  • immunoglobulin therapy injectionsof antibodies from donated blood thattemporarily stop your immune system attacking your nerves
  • plasmapheresis a procedure to redirect your blood through a machine that filters out the antibodies attacking your nerves

Medication is the main treatment, although immunoglobulin therapy and plasmapheresis may be recommendedin theshort term, or if muscle weakness is severe and other treatments haven't helped.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018