Which sign is a classic indicator of meningeal irritation noted by neck stiffness?

Which sign is a classic indicator of meningeal irritation noted by neck stiffness?

• A. Kernig's sign
• B. Brudzinski's sign
• C. Nuchal rigidity sign
• D. Babinski sign

Answer: (C)

Neck stiffness from meningeal irritation is best captured by nuchal rigidity. This refers to the inability to flex the neck forward and the pain a patient feels when trying to bring the chin toward the chest, a classic sign that the meninges are irritated as seen in meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Related tests of meningeal irritation include Kernig’s sign (pain or resistance when extending the knee with the hip flexed) and Brudzinski’s sign (involuntary hip and knee flexion with passive neck flexion), but the direct indicator tied to neck stiffness is nuchal rigidity. Babinski sign, in contrast, reflects an upper motor neuron lesion and is not a sign of meningeal irritation.

Neck stiffness from meningeal irritation is best captured by nuchal rigidity. This refers to the inability to flex the neck forward and the pain a patient feels when trying to bring the chin toward the chest, a classic sign that the meninges are irritated as seen in meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Related tests of meningeal irritation include Kernig’s sign (pain or resistance when extending the knee with the hip flexed) and Brudzinski’s sign (involuntary hip and knee flexion with passive neck flexion), but the direct indicator tied to neck stiffness is nuchal rigidity. Babinski sign, in contrast, reflects an upper motor neuron lesion and is not a sign of meningeal irritation.