List 4 causes of neck stiffness
College Answer
° Meningitis/encephalitis
° Subarachnoid hemorrhage
° Post fossa syndrome
° Tetanus
° Cervical spondylitis
° Neck abscess
° Wry neck / Torticollis
Discussion
To this predictable list, I could also add
- dural sinus thrombosis
- epidural abscess
- cervical facet joint arthritis
- "whiplash" - musculoskeletal hyperextension injury
And many others. One can go right to town on this. Consider a cause for neck stiffness from any of the major pathological categories, and I guarantee you will find one.
Observe:
Vascular:
- Dural sinus thrombosis
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Infectious:
- Epidural abscess
- Neck abscess
- Meningitis/encephalitis
- Tetanus
Neoplastic:
- C-spine vertebral metastasis or primary
Drug-related:
- Dystonic reaction
- Withdrawal
Idiopathic/inflammatory:
- Osteoarthritis
- Cervical spondylitis
- Torticollis
Autoimmune:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Traumatic
- Whiplash
- C-spine dislocation, subluxation or fracture
- Prolonged neck hyperextension during surgery (eg. tracheostomy)
Endocrine: