Neck Rigidity | Health Encyclopedia: Neck Rigidity

Neck Rigidity: From 1 Different Sources

Marked stiffness of the neck caused by spasm of the muscles in the neck and spine.

Neck rigidity is an important clinical sign of meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord).

Severe neck rigidity may cause the head to arch backwards, especially in babies.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Neck

The connecting tissues between the scolex and strobila of a tapeworm. This part is unsegmented.... neck

Sti?ness, resistance to movement. The term is often used in NEUROLOGY – for example, limb rigidity is a sign of PARKINSONISM. Smooth rigidity is described as being ‘plastic’ and jerky rigidity as ‘cogwheel’.... rigidity

Wry-neck

A condition in which the head is twisted to one side. It may be caused by the contraction of a scar, such as that resulting from a burn or by paralysis of some of the muscles; as a result of injury at birth; or trauma to the area later in life. Treatment is by an orthopaedic collar, heat or ULTRASOUND, or PHYSIOTHERAPY. Sometimes a local injection of BOTULISM toxin will produce temporary relief. Rarely, surgery is necessary. (See also MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF – Cramp; SPASMODIC TORTICOLLIS.)... wry-neck

Neck Dissection, Radical

A surgical procedure for the removal of cancerous lymph nodes in the neck.

The operation is commonly part of the treatment of cancer of the tongue, tonsils, or other structures in the mouth and throat.... neck dissection, radical

Stiff Neck

A common symptom, usually due to spasm in muscles at the side or back of the neck. In most cases, it occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason. It may result from a neck injury, such as a ligament sprain, disc prolapse, or whiplash injury. A rare cause is meningitis.

Mild stiffness may be relieved by massage, warming, and use of a liniment. Severe or persistent stiffness requires medical attention. (See also torticollis.)... stiff neck

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex

a primitive reflex that is present from birth but should disappear by six months of age. If the infant is lying on its back and the head is turned to one side, the arm and leg on the side to which the head is turned should straighten, and the arm and leg on the opposite side should bend (the ‘fencer’ position). Persistence of the reflex beyond six months is suggestive of *cerebral palsy.... asymmetric tonic neck reflex

Bladder Neck Incision

an operation that involves an incision through the bladder neck that is extended into the prostate to relieve *lower urinary tract symptoms. This procedure is usually performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic through a cystoscope. It is not as extensive as a transurethral resection of the prostate and is therefore associated with a comparatively lower incidence of side-effects.... bladder neck incision