A thorough understanding of neuroanatomy and the cranial nerves is fundamental to accurate assessment and treatment in medical speech-language pathology. In this comprehensive course, you’ll build a practical understanding of the central and peripheral nervous systems before applying that knowledge directly to motor speech, voice, and swallowing disorders. You’ll learn the functions of the cranial nerves most relevant to medical SLP practice, recognize how damage to different neurological structures affects their performance, and develop the clinical reasoning needed to connect neurological findings to patient presentation.

Drawing on nearly two decades of acute care experience, Andrea Hayes combines foundational neuroscience with real-world clinical application to help you perform a functional cranial nerve examination through the lens of a medical SLP. Through case studies and hands-on examples, you’ll gain the confidence to interpret neurological findings, communicate more effectively with the interdisciplinary team, and strengthen your diagnostic skills across a wide range of medically complex patient populations.