Neurology: Lambert-Eaton syndrome: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Neurology: Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Sample item

A smoker has proximal weakness that improves with repeated use, reduced reflexes that facilitate after exercise, and dry mouth. What is most likely?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a presynaptic calcium-channel disorder, often paraneoplastic with small-cell lung cancer. Strength and reflexes improve briefly with use, and autonomic symptoms are common.

Option by option

  • A. Guillain-Barre syndrome

    Guillain-Barre causes acute progressive areflexic weakness.

  • B. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Facilitation with use plus autonomic symptoms is characteristic.

  • C. Myasthenia gravis

    Myasthenia usually worsens with repeated activity and affects ocular muscles prominently.

  • D. Parkinson disease

    Parkinson disease causes bradykinesia and rigidity.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a presynaptic calcium-channel disorder, often paraneoplastic with small-cell lung cancer.

Why is "Guillain-Barre syndrome" not the answer?

Guillain-Barre causes acute progressive areflexic weakness.

Why is "Myasthenia gravis" not the answer?

Myasthenia usually worsens with repeated activity and affects ocular muscles prominently.

Why is "Parkinson disease" not the answer?

Parkinson disease causes bradykinesia and rigidity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: Lambert-Eaton syndrome in General Medicine. Strength and reflexes improve briefly with use, and autonomic symptoms are common.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurology: Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.