Neck stiffness
A physician may check and confirm that the patient has a stiff neck. This is also known as nuchal rigidity, and it is a perceived discomfort or pain when trying to move the neck. It should be differentiated from muscle problems, such as torticollis, which is benign. In complicated cases of mumps, neck stiffness is an indicator of meningitis or any other problem in the central nervous system that requires urgent attention. In these cases, it is usually associated with a very distinct type of vomiting.