Spinal Fluid Sample
If you have possible encephalitis or meningitis caused by mumps, then the doctor might need to collect a cerebrospinal fluid sample with a lumbar puncture. Firstly, a needle is inserted into the back area, between your vertebral bodies. The fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord will be collected for further testing. The result would show increased protein and white blood cells or reduced glucose. Both of them can indicate a possible infection. [2]
