Raccoon Eyes and Brain Injuries

Raccoon eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, are dark bruises around the eyes that can signal a serious underlying head injury. This condition often indicates internal bleeding within the skull and requires immediate medical attention. The Shreveport personal injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig are here to break down everything you need to know about raccoon eyes as well as emphasize the importance of seeking legal help if you’ve suffered a head injury due to negligence. 

If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to someone else’s negligence, call our law office at 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation today.

What Are Raccoon Eyes?

Raccoon eyes (periorbital ecchymosis) refer to the appearance of bruising around the eyes that resembles the dark circles around a raccoon’s eyes. This condition is a classic clinical sign of a basal skull fracture. In this case, raccoon eyes are caused by bleeding within the skull, which leads to the accumulation of blood in the soft tissues around the eyes. 

Although most patients have raccoon eyes masquerading as a significant brain injury, the symptom can also indicate other health conditions. Doctors will use the differential diagnosis process to determine whether the “raccoon sign” is caused by head trauma or other possible causes such as:

• Amyloidosis: A condition in which the abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in the body.
• Kaposi sarcoma: A rare cancerous tumor which can appear on the face.
• Multiple myeloma: A type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow.
• Neuroblastoma: A type of cancer that develops in immature cells in the sympathetic nervous system. 

What Are Panda Eyes?

Panda eyes, often used interchangeably with raccoon eyes, refer to a similar condition where dark purple bruising appears around the eyes due to bleeding caused by a skull base fracture. The term “panda eyes” is used because the bruising can give the appearance of a panda bear’s black eye markings. Panda eyes caused by a basilar skull fracture is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Raccoon Eyes vs. Dark Circles

It’s important to note that raccoon eyes and common dark circles under the eyes are not the same thing.

Dark circles are usually caused by factors such as fatigue, stress, allergies, or genetics. They are not caused by broken blood vessels nor do they indicate any sort of serious condition, such as head trauma. 

In contrast, raccoon eyes are a sign of significant head trauma or another medical condition. If you notice sudden and severe bruising around the eyes following an injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any serious head injury.

Raccoon Eyes vs. Black Eyes

Raccoon eyes and black eyes may appear similar but have distinct causes and implications.

Raccoon eyes, or periorbital ecchymosis, are characterized by dark bruising around both eyes and typically indicate a serious underlying head injury, such as a skull base fracture or intracranial bleeding. 

Meanwhile, black eyes (medically referred to as periorbital haematoma) are usually caused by a direct blow to the face, often resulting in facial fractures (such as a broken nose) as well as localized bruising and swelling around one or both eyes. While black eyes can be painful and may require medical attention, they are generally less severe than raccoon eyes and do not usually signify an underlying brain injury.

Symptoms of Raccoon Eyes or Panda Eyes

The primary symptom of raccoon eyes or panda eyes is the presence of dark bruising around the eyes that can extend to other parts of the face, such as the forehead, temples, and cheeks. This bruising may appear within hours to a few days after an accident or injury. In order to properly diagnose raccoon eyes, doctors may look for other symptoms such as:

• Swelling around the eyes;
• Severe bruising behind the ears, referred to as “battle’s sign;”
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area, especially if the “raccoon sign” is accompanied by facial injuries such as a broken nose;
• Vision changes or difficulty seeing;
• Blood behind the eardrums;
• Hearing loss;
• Nosebleeds;
• Poor sense of smell;
• Headache or dizziness;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• And/or facial weakness caused by nerve damage.

Other Common Head Injury and Skull Fracture Symptoms

In addition to raccoon eyes, other symptoms of head injuries and skull fractures may include:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Confusion or disorientation;
• Clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears;
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech;
• Seizures;
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs;
• And/or difficulty walking or balancing.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms and other complications following a head injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

What Causes Raccoon Eyes?

Raccoon eyes are typically caused by a traumatic injury to the head or face. The most common causes of brain injuries in Shreveport include:

• Motor vehicle accidents;
• Falls from a significant height;
• Physical assaults or violent attacks;
• And sports injuries.

In these scenarios, the force of the impact can cause blood vessels within the skull to rupture, leading to internal bleeding. The blood then collects in the soft tissues around the eyes, resulting in the characteristic bruising of raccoon eyes.

What Causes Panda Eyes?

Panda eyes are also caused by traumatic injuries to the head, similar to raccoon eyes. The most common cause is a basilar skull fracture, which is a break in the bone at the base of the skull. This type of fracture can result from:

• High-impact car accidents;
• Falls from a significant height;
• And blunt force trauma to the head.

Basilar skull fractures can cause blood to pool in the soft tissues around the eyes, leading to the appearance of panda eyes.

Can Raccoon Eyes Lead to Other Health Conditions?

Unmasking raccoon eyes as one of many clinical signs of serious head trauma is crucial so that patients can receive immediate medical treatment. Left untreated, periorbital ecchymosis can lead to a wide variety of complications, including:

• Intracranial Hemorrhage: This involves bleeding within the brain, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and damage to brain tissue. If not promptly addressed, it can result in severe neurological deficits or even be life-threatening.
• Increased Intracranial Pressure: This condition occurs when the pressure inside the skull rises, potentially leading to further brain injury and permanent brain damage.
• Brain Swelling: Also known as cerebral edema, brain swelling can cause additional pressure on the brain, exacerbating the injury. It can lead to increased intracranial pressure, reduced blood flow to the brain, and further damage to brain cells.
• Neurological Deficits: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, patients may experience long-term neurological impairments. These can include difficulties with speech, movement, memory, and cognitive function, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life.
• Persistent Headaches or Migraines: Chronic headaches or migraines can develop as a result of a traumatic brain injury. These can be debilitating and affect daily activities, requiring ongoing medical treatment and pain management strategies.
• Long-Term Cognitive Impairments: Traumatic brain injuries can result in lasting cognitive issues, such as problems with attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of the underlying head injury are crucial to prevent these complications and ensure the best possible outcome for recovery.

Treatment for Raccoon Eyes and Panda Eyes

The treatment for raccoon eyes and panda eyes focuses on addressing the underlying head injury or skull fracture. Medical interventions may include:

• A physical exam of the face and head to check for fractures;
• Imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to assess the extent of the injury;
• Surgery to repair skull fractures or relieve pressure on the brain;
• And medications to manage pain, reduce swelling, and prevent infections.

In addition to medical treatment, it is essential to follow up with healthcare providers to monitor recovery and address any lingering symptoms or complications.

Raccoon Eyes and Brain Injury Claims

If you or a loved one has sustained raccoon eyes and a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to sue for compensation. Raccoon eyes are a visible sign of serious head trauma, often resulting from accidents such as motor vehicle collisions, falls, or physical assaults. When it comes to recovering from traumatic brain injuries in Louisiana, filing a personal injury claim is often necessary. Successful personal injury claims will allow injured victims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. 

To establish a brain injury claim, it is essential to demonstrate that the injury was caused by the negligent actions of another party. This typically involves gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case. Our Shreveport traumatic brain injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig are experienced in handling brain injury claims and can guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call Shreveport Brain Injury Lawyers at Rice & Kendig Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury resulting in raccoon eyes or any other symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Rice & Kendig, our experienced Shreveport personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of brain injuries get the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us at 318-222-2772 today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you make a full recovery.