Battle sign

Q: What is Battle Sign in trauma?

Answer: It is called Battle sign not because it occurs in trauma but because it was first described by Dr. William Henry Battle. It is bruising over the mastoid process ( mastoid ecchymosis) of temporal bone, and signifies possible fractures to the posterior aspect of skull base. It usually become visible after a day or two of trauma but may be visible early. It's presence should alert the physician of the possibility of severe internal injury to brain and not just the posterior cranial structure or mastoid. 

#trauma

#neurosurgery

References:

1. Naumann, Hans Heinz; Jan Helms (1998). Head and neck surgery. Thieme. p. 154. ISBN 0-86577-660-1.

2. Becker A, Metheny H, Trotter B. Battle Sign. 2021 Aug 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 30725789.