Getting the Most from Your Cranial Nerve Exam

by Kendrea Layne Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Available on the virtual learning pass from October 15, 2026-December 31, 2027! 


Course Abstract

This presentation will provide an overview of the cranial nerves, paying particular attention to those involved in speech, swallowing and airway clearance functions. Further, step-by-step instructions for how to complete and interpret a cranial nerve examination will be provided.

Time Ordered Agenda

17 mins- Introduction and Consideration

45 mins- Cranial Nerve IX- Lesion Impacts, Bulbar, Respirtatory Dysfunction, Testing, Video Examples, and Lesion Impacts

22 mins- Cranial Nerve X- Lesion Impacts, Bulbar, Respirtatory Dysfunction, Testing, Video Examples, and Lesion Impacts

5 mins- Cranial Nerve XI- Lesion Impacts, Bulbar, Respirtatory Dysfunction, Testing, Video Examples, and Lesion Impacts

13 mins- Cranial Nerve XII- Lesion Impacts, Bulbar, Respirtatory Dysfunction, Testing, Video Examples, and Lesion Impacts

2 mins- Upper Cervial Spine

2 mins- Pediatric Considerations

7 mins- Reflex Testing

5 mins- Documentation

2 mins- Summary

 

Learning Objectives
The learner will...

Learner Outcome 1:
List cranial nerve name, nuclei location, type, upper motor neuron innervation, and functions as it relates to respiratory and bulbar functions

Learner Outcome 2:
Identify common cranial nerve abnormalities and impacts on respiratory and bulbar functions

Learner Outcome 3:
Perform a comprehensive cranial nerve examination

 

 

Meet the Speaker: Kendrea Garand

Speaker Biography

Kendrea Garand is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a practicing medical speech-language pathologist for over 15 years, with a special interest in patients with neurological and pulmonary disease. She is passionate about the clinical questions driving her research interests, which help to inform her teaching of the next generation of clinicians and clinical researchers. Because of this, she is able to collaborate with multiple healthcare disciplines to help to continue to advance the field. She is the current Chair of American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and Editor-in-Chief for Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups.


Financial Disclosures

  • Kendrea Garand receives a salary from the University of Pittsburgh. 


Non-financial Disclosures

  • Kendrea Garand serves as the Adult Topic Convention Chair for the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA).

 

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