Battle's Sign
Type: Symptom
Definition
Bruising over the mastoid process, located behind the ear.
Clinical Details
Battle's sign is a distinct, dark bruise that develops behind the ear over the mastoid bone, usually appearing a day or two after the trauma. It indicates that blood from a basilar skull fracture has pooled in the lower cranial vault. Another similar indicator is 'raccoon eyes,' where deep purple bruising surrounds both eyes.