Which finding is a classic sign of a basilar skull fracture?

• A. Basilar Skull Fracture
• B. Cushing Triad
• C. Decerebrate Posturing
• D. Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

Answer: (A)

Basilar skull fractures affect the base of the skull and have characteristic signs that point to this type of injury, most notably ecchymosis around the eyes (raccoon eyes), behind the ears (Battle’s sign), hemotympanum, and possible cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the ears or nose. These findings arise from fracture at the skull base and potential involvement of surrounding structures, nerves, or meninges.

Among the options, the finding that best identifies the condition itself is the basilar skull fracture. The other options describe neurological responses or patterns that signal elevated intracranial pressure or severe brainstem dysfunction rather than signs specific to a skull base fracture: Cushing triad is a late sign of rising intracranial pressure; decerebrate posturing indicates severe brainstem injury; Cheyne-Stokes respirations reflect central disruption of respiratory control.