Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: April 15, 2014
Nervous system affections caused by the mumps virus
Abstract:
Hippocrates probably first described mumps parotitis, but not until 1758 was affection of the central nervous system reported in this disease. Mumps meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, polyradiculitis and cranial neuritis are now well known, and may occur without clinical parotitis. Meningitis occurs most commonly, encephalitis, cranial neuritis and polyradiculitis less often, and myelitis rarely. They may present individually or in combination. A patient is described who first developed acute mumps meningoencephalitis, without clinical parotitis. Transverse myelitis occurred two weeks later, and finally optic neuritis ten days following the myelitis. Slow but complete recovery followed. Attention is directed to the various ways mumps can affect the nervous system. This virus should always be considered among possible etiologic agents causing such neurologic syndromes.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Viral Meningitis
Poliomyelitis
Arboviral Encephalitis
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

