Symptom: Neck, Stiff

Initial Grading Reminder

CTCAE grading of stiff neck:

Grade 1: Mild symptoms
Grade 2: Moderate symptoms; limiting instrumental ADL
Grade 3: Severe symptoms; limiting self-care ADLs
Grade 4: Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated

Assessment and Grading

Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)

Ask the patient:

Is this a new or worsening symptom? When did it start or get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly?

Grade the symptom

Ask the patient:

How much can you move your neck?  Is the stiffness/pain constant? Is it limiting your ability to take care of yourself? Have you done any unusual activity or notice the stiffness after a specific activity?

Patient Query Regarding Other Symptoms/Red Flags

Ask the patient:

Do you have a headache? Have you had any sleepiness, hallucinations, seizures?

This would be consistent with encephalitis.

Do you have fever, chills, or sensitivity to light?

This would be consistent with meningitis

Patient Factors to Consider That Affect the Approach to Intervention

Consider the following in individualizing the intervention: Is the patient a good or poor historian? Any language barriers or cognitive deficits? Is the patient reliable (able to carry out treatment recommendations)? Does this patient have alcohol/substance abuse issues? Does the patient have transportation? Is there sufficient caregiver support?