General
- Geneticist – will consider the family history and any hereditary diseases which may account for the injuries and may advise further testing if there is a possibility of an inherited disease.
- Paediatrician – deal with the care of infants and children, and sometimes provide a general paediatric overview where injuries have occurred.
Head Injuries/Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Neurosurgeon- can be instructed in cases where there are concerns about head injury and subdural haemorrhaging/bleeding on the brain. They can comment in cases particularly relating to Shaken Baby Syndrome about causation, timing and the mechanism of any injury.
- Neuroradiologist- they will consider the imaging that has been undertaken such as MRI or CT scans to identify what injuries are present and can also comment on timing and causation of those injuries.
- Ophthalmologist – surgical and medical specialists who deal with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eyes. Such experts are particularly useful in cases where there are retinal haemorrhages.
Bruising
- Haematologist- as mentioned in the bruising section (Hyperlink), the treating hospital should carry out tests to rule out coagulation or blood disorders. A Haematologist can be instructed to consider the results of tests already undertaken and to identify whether any further testing is required.
Fractures
- Radiologist – a medical specialist who uses imaging including x-rays to assess injury to the skeleton. They are able to comment on the causation of fractures and to an extent, dating of the injury (however this is not a specific science).
Burns
- Consultant in burns and plastic surgery- such an expert will be able to comment on the mechanism and causation of burns.