A man found unconscious after an assault develops bruising over the mastoid region behind the ear, with no direct blow to that area. This sign indicates:
- A Fracture of the squamous part of the occipital bone
- B Direct local contusion from a fist blow
- C Fracture of the petrous part of the temporal bone with basilar skull fracture ✓
- D Subgaleal haematoma tracking from the vertex
Correct answer: C. Fracture of the petrous part of the temporal bone with basilar skull fracture
Explanation
Battle's sign is ecchymosis over the mastoid appearing hours after head injury, caused by blood from a basilar skull fracture, usually involving the petrous temporal bone, tracking through the mastoid air cells into the overlying soft tissue. Its delayed appearance and distance from the impact point distinguish it from a local contusion. Periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes) is the analogous ectopic bruise of anterior fossa fracture.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.