The Cranial Nerve Examination: Integrating Assessment And Treatment In Dysphagia Management

Course overview

This presentation will focus on obtaining diagnostic information during a cranial nerve exam, which can be used to diagnose and assist in planning therapeutic interventions specifically for swallowing disorders. Cranial nerve examination can be used to assist the medical team with differential diagnosis and contributes essential information to the clinician that will improve dysphagia assessment and treatment planning. Presenters will provide instructions and case studies that will assist clinicians in performing, interpreting and developing a dysphagia treatment plan based on the deficits noted during the oral mechanism/cranial nerve assessment. Therapeutic strategies targeting swallow function based on the results of the exam will be presented, specifically sensory-based treatments and the use of swallow maneuvers and/or exercises. Best practice will be supported by current research.