What is ecchymosis behind the ear?

Also known as periauricular ecchymosis, Battle’s sign is a bruise that occurs behind the ear, curving around it in a crescent shape. Battle’s sign can affect either or both ears. The bruising associated with Battle’s sign is not the result of direct trauma to the ear.

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What is Retroauricular ecchymosis?

Battle Sign (also called Battle’s Sign) is defined as bruising over the mastoid process. It is retroauricular or mastoid ecchymosis that is typically the result of head trauma. Battle sign derives its name from Dr. William Henry Battle who initially described the sign in the late 1800s.

What is Battle sign a sign of?

A Battle sign, or Battle’s sign, is a bruise that indicates a fracture at the bottom of the skull. At first, it can look just like a typical bruise that could heal on its own. However, Battle’s sign is a much more serious condition. The type of fracture that causes Battle’s sign is considered a medical emergency.

Which type of skull fracture would most likely result in mastoid ecchymosis?

Mastoid ecchymosis or the battle sign is blue or purple discoloration over the mastoid area caused by fracture of the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Blood running from the ear is also caused by fracture of the petrous portion of the temporal bone.

What are the 4 general categories of symptoms of a TBI?

What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Behavior or mood changes.
Confusion or memory problems.
Convulsions or seizures.
Dilated pupils or blurred vision.
Dizziness, fainting or fatigue.
Headaches.
Nausea and vomiting.
Restlessness or agitation.

What is a halo test?

In nursing, the halo sign is the result of a test to see if drainage from a head injury contains cerebrospinal fluid. When a Dextrostix or Tes-Tape test gives a positive reading for glucose, the drainage must be further tested because glucose is also found in the blood.

What is a mastoid bone?

The mastoid bone, which is full of these air cells, is part of the temporal bone of the skull. The mastoid air cells are thought to protect the delicate structures of the ear, regulate ear pressure and possibly protect the temporal bone during trauma.

Where is the mastoid bone?

The mastoid is located just behind the ear. Mastoiditis is an infection of the bony air cells in the mastoid bone, located just behind the ear. It is rarely seen today because of the use of antibiotics to treat ear infections. This child has noticeable swelling and redness behind his right ear because of mastoiditis.

What does raccoon eyes indicate?

Raccoon eyes is a condition that refers to bruises around both eyes. These bruises look like the dark patches around the eyes that are characteristic of raccoons. Raccoon eyes signal a serious condition related to a skull or brain injury.

What does raccoon eyes mean in medical terms?

Doctors sometimes call raccoon eyes periorbital ecchymosis. “Periorbital” means “around the eyes.” “Ecchymosis” is a change in color. Raccoon eyes can appear after an injury or illness that causes tiny blood vessels to bleed into the skin under the eyes.

What are the two types of traumatic brain injury?

Doctors typically group traumatic brain injuries into two main categories: closed injuries and open (or penetrating) injuries. Closed injuries refer to TBIs that do not fracture the skull. Open injuries, on the other hand, occur when the skull bone breaks or is penetrated, leaving the brain exposed to the elements.

What is the most common type of traumatic brain injury?

Concussion is among the most common forms of TBI. A concussion can happen when the head or body is moved back and forth quickly, such as during a car crash or sports injury, or from a blow to the head. Concussions are often called “mild TBIs,” because they are usually not life-threatening.

What does ecchymosis mean in medical terms?

A purple red or blue discoloration occurring on the skin spontaneously, with or without trauma and measuring more than 1cm (10mm) is Ecchymosis. [2] The term ecchymosis is sometimes confused with bruise/contusion, haematoma, purpura and petechiae. Image 2: Ecchymoses at various sites.

What is the meaning of mastoid?

The mastoid process. 1. Of or relating to the mastoid process. 2. Shaped like a breast or nipple. The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

What is the difference between ecchymosis and hematoma?

Ecchymosis occurs only under the skin and is flat when felt with fingers. Secondly, hematomas are formed by clotted blood which can raise the level of the skin or the surface of the organ. [9, 10]

What is a mastoid bone infection?

Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone of the skull. The mastoid is located just behind the ear. Mastoiditis is most often caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). The infection may spread from the ear to the mastoid bone.