Bruising behind the ears is called which sign?

• A. Halo sign
• B. Battle's sign
• C. Raccoon eyes
• D. Jefferson fracture

Answer: (B)

Bruising behind the ears indicates a basilar skull fracture, specifically a Battle's sign. When the base of the skull is injured, blood can seep into the soft tissues around the mastoid bone, producing a bruise that appears behind the ear. This sign often shows up hours to a day or two after the injury and is a clue to a serious intracranial injury requiring prompt assessment and transport.

Halo sign refers to CSF leaking from the nose or ear and forming a ring on a napkin or gauze, not a bruise behind the ear. Raccoon eyes are bruising around the eyes due to facial/skull trauma, not the area behind the ears. Jefferson fracture is a fracture of the first cervical vertebra, not a bruising sign behind the ear.