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What are Raccoon Eyes?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

The term raccoon eyes, or panda eyes in some areas, refers to a dark purple discoloration forming around the eyes, giving an appearance similar to that of a raccoon or panda. While the phrase aptly describes the patient’s countenance, it should not be confused with an ordinary black eye. In fact, the distinction between the two is that the latter is usually earned during an unfortunate encounter with another person’s fist making direct contact with the eye socket. The phrase raccoon eyes, on the other hand, is a layman expression for periorbital ecchymoses, which typically follows suffering a fracture at the base of the skull within a few days of the incident. In addition, the bruising is always exhibited bilaterally, meaning in both eyes simultaneously.

The mechanics involved in experiencing raccoon eyes is quite different as well. As mentioned above, this condition doesn’t stem from facial trauma and simple bruising of the orbital region. In contrast, the bilateral discoloration develops in response to a blow to the base of the skull so intense that it causes tears to occur in the meninges, special membranes belonging to the central nervous system. This event then permits blood to pass into the dural venous sinuses and ultimately into the arachnoid villi, or the secondary soft tissue layer of the brain. In short, there is internal bleeding going on.

Raccoon eyes are often the result of a basal skull fracture.
Raccoon eyes are often the result of a basal skull fracture.

The appearance of raccoon eyes in a patient may be the only clue that a basal skull fracture has even occurred. In fact, this type of injury often escapes detection from x-rays. Of course, once a physician has observed the distinctive markings that are characteristic of this condition, he or she may then attempt to reconstruct a timeline of events to try to pinpoint when the underlying injury may have taken place and how long the internal bleeding has been occurring.

"Raccoon eyes" are called "panda eyes" in the UK.
"Raccoon eyes" are called "panda eyes" in the UK.

The next step for the physician to undertake is cranial damage assessment. Obviously, bleeding has already been established. However, there can be secondary complications, such as nerve damage, that may impair sense of smell, hearing, or vision. Another concern is the potential for cerebrospinal fluid to enter into and escape from the nose or ears. If any drainage from the cavities is apparent, the fluid will be test for the presence of glucose. A positive result indicates that the fluid does, in fact, contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Raccoon have darkly-tinted fur around their eyes.
Raccoon have darkly-tinted fur around their eyes.

Other symptoms that commonly accompany having raccoon eyes include bulging of the the eardrum, loss of tactile feeling or facial muscle paralysis, an altered level of consciousness, headache, and nausea. Should any person experience these symptoms in connection with a fall or blow to the head, immediate medical assistance is warranted. In particular, the development of raccoon eyes suggests that a full neurological evaluation should be performed. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair extensive damage to membranes.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Denha

I have honestly only heard about "raccoon eyes" with makeup, not as an actual medical condition. Except maybe if someone has two actual black eyes, though apparently this is very different.

hyrax53

People also refer to having "raccoon eyes" as the time when someone's eye makeup runs all over the upper and lower lids of the face. This can happen when eyeliner or mascara runs, or even just because you used way too much.

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    • Raccoon eyes are often the result of a basal skull fracture.
      By: apfelweile
      Raccoon eyes are often the result of a basal skull fracture.
    • "Raccoon eyes" are called "panda eyes" in the UK.
      "Raccoon eyes" are called "panda eyes" in the UK.
    • Raccoon have darkly-tinted fur around their eyes.
      By: Eric Isselée
      Raccoon have darkly-tinted fur around their eyes.
    • Raccoon eyes, or periorbital ecchymoses, occurs on both eyes.
      By: roblan
      Raccoon eyes, or periorbital ecchymoses, occurs on both eyes.
    • An individual with raccoon eyes may experience frequent headaches.
      By: olly
      An individual with raccoon eyes may experience frequent headaches.