Complications

Complications of mumps are rare, but some are potentially serious.

Most mumps complications involve inflammation and swelling in some part of the body, such as:

• Testicles. This condition, known as orchitis, causes one or both testicles to swell in males who've reached puberty. Orchitis is painful, but it rarely leads to the inability to father a child (sterility).
• Brain. Viral infections such as mumps can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Encephalitis can cause neurological problems and become life-threatening.
• Membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This condition, known as meningitis, can occur if the mumps virus spreads through your bloodstream to infect your central nervous system.
• Pancreas. The signs and symptoms of this condition, known as pancreatitis, include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

Other complications of mumps include:

• Hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur in one or both ears. Although rare, the hearing loss is sometimes permanent.
• Heart problems. Rarely, mumps has been associated with abnormal heartbeat and diseases of the heart muscle.
• Miscarriage. Contracting mumps while you're pregnant, especially early in your pregnancy, may lead to miscarriage.