Nervous system affections caused by the mumps virus

Neurologia, Neurocirugia, Psiquiatria
|January 1, 1977
PubMed

Insights

Mumps virus can affect the central nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis, or myelitis, even without parotitis. Neurologic mumps syndromes can present in various combinations, requiring consideration of this etiology.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Mumps virus (Mumps or Paramyxovirus parotitis) is known to cause parotitis.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in mumps was first reported in 1758.
  • Mumps can manifest as meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, polyradiculitis, and cranial neuritis, potentially without parotitis.

Observation:

  • A case of mumps meningoencephalitis without clinical parotitis is presented.
  • The patient subsequently developed transverse myelitis and optic neuritis.
  • This presentation highlights the diverse neurological manifestations of mumps.

Findings:

  • Mumps virus can cause a spectrum of neurological syndromes.
  • Neurologic manifestations may occur independently or concurrently.
  • Mumps meningitis is most common, followed by encephalitis, cranial neuritis, polyradiculitis, and rarely myelitis.

Implications:

  • Mumps virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological syndromes.
  • Understanding the varied CNS manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • This case underscores the potential for mumps to present with severe, isolated neurological disease.

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