Stiff Neck
Difficulty moving the neck with pain or stiffness, which with fever and headache can be a sign of meningitis.
Conditions associated with stiff neck
The following conditions have been associated with stiff neck in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Tests providers may use to investigate stiff neck
When investigating stiff neck, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Symptoms commonly seen alongside stiff neck
Confusion
Lack of clarity and coherence of thought, perception, understanding, or action....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Light Sensitivity
Discomfort or pain when looking at light, which can accompany migraine, eye inflammation, or meningitis....
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a commonly encountered symptom that has been defined as an unpleasant painless subjective feeling th...
Skin rash
A red eruption of the skin....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if stiff neck is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom stiff neck mean?
Stiff Neck is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Difficulty moving the neck with pain or stiffness, which with fever and headache can be a sign of meningitis.
Which conditions are associated with stiff neck?
Stiff Neck has been reported in association with 1 condition in the medical literature we index, including Meningitis. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about stiff neck?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.