Battle's sign - behind the ear

Skull fractures are common in children and result from accidents (the majority are automobile or auto/bike accidents) or abuse. Battle's sign is seen several days following a basilar skull fracture. There may have been bloody drainage from the ear immediately after the fracture occurred.

Review Date: 02/19/2008
Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.