What it means
A bedside check of bloody drainage from the nose or ears. When the drop lands on white gauze or linen, blood stays in the middle and clearer fluid spreads out in a ring around it. The ring suggests the drainage contains cerebrospinal fluidser-uh-broh-SPY-nul FLOO-idThe clear, watery fluid that bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord.cerebr/o brainspin spine-al relating toFull entry , which can leak after a skull base fracture or brain or spine surgery.
For the nurse
Report a positive halo sign or clear drainage from the nose or ears at once. Do not pack the nose or ears or put tubes through the nose, and tell the client not to blow the nose, sneeze with the mouth closed or strain.
At a glance
| Also written | halo test |
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Related terms
cerebrospinal fluid
The clear, watery fluid that bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
raccoon eyes
Bruising around both eyes, like a raccoon's mask.
Battle sign
Bruising over the bone just behind the ear.