Nuchal rigidity

What it means

Resistance of the extensor muscles of the neck to being bent forwards (i.e., impaired neck flexion) as a result of muscle spasm of the extensor muscles of the neck. Nuchal rigidity is not a fixed rigidity. Nuchal rigidity has been used as a bedside test for meningism, although its sensitivity for this purpose has been debated.

Meningism is resistance to neck flexion due to painful spasm of extensor muscles resulting from meningeal irritation. The diagnosis of meningism is made in someone whose symptoms simulate meningitis, but in which no actual inflammation of these membranes is present. Nuchal rigidity can thus be observed in individuals with meningitis or with meningism.

Rare diseases that can present with this13

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Meningism