Raccoon eyes or Battle's sign are indicative of which type of skull fracture?

Raccoon eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, or Battle's sign, which presents as bruising behind the ear, are indicative of a basilar skull fracture. These signs are associated with the injury to the skull base where bleeding can occur in the areas around the eyes and behind the ear due to the anatomical proximity to the structures that are involved during a fracture.

In the case of a basilar skull fracture, the fracture line often extends into the area where the orbits and the temporal bone are located. This leads to the characteristic bruising seen in Raccoon eyes and Battle's sign, as blood accumulates in those areas due to the trauma associated with the fracture.

Other types of skull fractures, such as frontal, temporal, and parietal fractures, typically do not present with these specific signs. Each of these types of fractures may have their own clinical features and consequences, but they do not include the distinctive bruising associated with a basilar skull fracture. Understanding these specific signs is essential for recognizing potential serious head injuries and initiating appropriate treatment.