Which of the following is a sign of a basilar skull fracture?

A basilar skull fracture presents with specific signs that indicate trauma to the base of the skull. Raccoon eyes, characterized by periorbital ecchymosis (bruising around the eyes), can occur as a result of bleeding following a skull base injury. This sign reflects the presence of cranial venous pressure and is indicative of potential injury.

Similarly, Battle's sign refers to posterior auricular bruising and is another classic sign associated with basilar skull fractures. This bruising appears behind the ear and can signal that there has been significant trauma that has affected the skull base.

Thus, both raccoon eyes and Battle's sign are signs of a basilar skull fracture and are often used together in clinical settings to assess for this type of injury. Recognizing these signs is crucial for the management of potential complications that can arise from skull fractures, such as intracranial hemorrhage or cerebrospinal fluid leaks.