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Macewen's sign
System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Percussing the skull produces a hollow 'cracked pot' sound.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with raised intracranial pressure and separated skull sutures, classically in children with hydrocephalus.
◈ Behind the name
Sir William Macewen (1848–1924), Scottish surgeon.
Related signs — Neurological Signs
Browse the M section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.