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Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and a stiff neck is one of the classic signs associated with this condition. The stiff neck, or nuchal rigidity, occurs because the inflammation can irritate the spinal roots that control the neck muscles, leading to pain and inability to flex the neck forward.

In the context of meningitis, a stiff neck is typically assessed alongside other clinical signs, such as photophobia and altered mental status. While headache, nausea, and rash can also be present in meningitis, they are not as definitive or characteristic as the stiff neck. For example, headaches can occur in many different conditions, nausea might arise from various causes, and rashes are more associated with specific types of meningitis, particularly viral meningitis or meningococcal infections. Therefore, the presence of a stiff neck is a more specific finding providing strong diagnostic support for meningitis.