Which type of stroke is associated with nuchal rigidity?

Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningeal irritation, which often occurs in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In SAH, blood leakage into the cerebrospinal fluid leads to irritation of the meninges, which is the protective layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This irritation can provoke inflammation, resulting in the characteristic stiffness of the neck that is noticeable upon passive flexion of the neck.

While ischemic strokes, transient ischemic attacks, and venous sinus thrombosis can present with various neurological symptoms, they do not typically cause nuchal rigidity. Ischemic strokes may cause weakness or sensory loss depending on the brain region affected, but they are not usually associated with meningeal signs. Transient ischemic attacks are temporary events that do not result in permanent brain damage and also lack the meningeal irritation that leads to nuchal rigidity. Venous sinus thrombosis may present with headache or visual disturbance but is not commonly linked with neck stiffness.

Therefore, subarachnoid hemorrhage stands out as the condition most closely tied to the presence of nuchal rigidity due to its effect on the meninges, making it the correct choice.