Battle's sign
Battle's sign | |
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Differential diagnosis | indication of fracture of middle cranial fossa of the skull |
Battle's sign, also known as mastoid ecchymosis, is an indication of
mastoid process as a result of extravasation of blood along the path of the posterior auricular artery.[1] The sign is named after William Henry Battle.[2]
Battle's sign takes at least one day to appear after the initial traumatic basilar skull fracture, similar to raccoon eyes.[3] It is usually seen after head injuries resulting in injury to mastoid process leading to bruising.
Battle's sign may be confused with a spreading hematoma from a fracture of the mandibular condyle,[4] which is a less serious injury.
See also
References
- ISBN 0-86577-660-1.
- Who Named It?
- ^ Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)
- ISBN 0723610347.