What is a Battle’s Signs?

A Battle’s Sign, in medicine is technically called a mastoid ecchymosis (bruising behind the ears) that indicates a posterior basal or base of skull fracture and potential brain injury.

Battle’s Sign is usually seen post head injuries resulting in trauma to the mastoid process, leading to bruising. This sign is commonly associated with racoon eyes (the bruising around the eyes) and is most commonly found in patients with a base of skull fracture.

The first person to identify the sign is a Doctor William Battle.