What is the condition characterized by a stiff neck called?

The condition characterized by a stiff neck is known as meningismus. This term refers to neck stiffness that may be associated with meningeal irritation, commonly seen in conditions like meningitis. Meningismus presents with symptoms that include not only stiffness of the neck but also may be accompanied by increased sensitivity to light and headache, which are indicative of irritation of the meninges—the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

In medical practice, recognizing meningismus is significant because it can be indicative of serious underlying issues such as infections or other inflammatory processes affecting the central nervous system. Timely identification allows healthcare professionals to pursue appropriate diagnostic testing and necessary treatments.

Other terms present in the options describe different medical conditions: thyromegaly refers to an enlarged thyroid gland; supination refers to a movement or position of the body parts, particularly the forearm and hand; and lymphadenopathy describes swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Therefore, the choice of meningismus directly correlates with the specific symptoms of a stiff neck, differentiating it from these other terms.