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

A basilar skull fracture is a type of fracture that occurs at the base of the skull, and it is associated with specific physical signs that can indicate its presence. One of the hallmark signs of a basilar skull fracture is "raccoon's eyes," which refers to the appearance of periorbital ecchymosis (bruising around the eyes). This sign occurs due to the accumulation of blood or fluid in the soft tissues around the eyes resulting from the fracture.

Raccoon's eyes typically manifest as dark circles resembling those of a raccoon, and their presence is often a clear indication of underlying cranial trauma, suggesting that there may be a significant injury affecting the base of the skull. This sign is not only visually distinctive but also serves a diagnostic purpose in assessing the severity and nature of the head injury.

In contrast, the other options listed do not specifically point to a basilar skull fracture. Swelling over the forehead, while it may occur in head injuries, does not specifically indicate a basilar fracture. Concussion is a type of brain injury that does not have a physical sign that can be coded in the same way as the other options. Lastly, while cuts behind the ear may occur with various head injuries, they are