What it means
Bruising over the mastoid bone behind the ear. After a head injury, it is a classic sign of a fracture at the base of the skull (basilar skull fracture). It usually shows up a day or more after the injury, so it may be missed on arrival. It is named after William Battle, a British surgeon.
For the nurse
Look behind both ears in a head-injured client and recheck later. Check for clear fluid from the ears or nose, and do not pack the ear or put tubes in the nose.
At a glance
| Also written | Battle's sign |
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Related terms
raccoon eyes
Bruising around both eyes, like a raccoon's mask.
halo sign
A ring of clear or pale yellow fluid around a central spot of blood when drainage dries on gauze or a sheet.