This comprehensive module explores the 12 cranial nerves and the ocular motor system—two vital components of neurological function and clinical evaluation. Scholars will gain in-depth knowledge of each cranial nerve's structure, function, and role as a final common pathway for brain-environment interaction. Diagnostic testing and management strategies for common cranial nerve disorders will be emphasized. In the second half of the module, participants will focus on the ocular motor system, learning how the brain and brainstem control eye movements to maintain visual stability. Clinicians will learn to perform ocular examinations, interpret results, and design customized rehabilitation strategies to address ocular motor dysfunctions.

View syllabus

What you’ll learn:

Describe the anatomy and function of all 12 cranial nerves.
Perform diagnostic evaluations for cranial nerve and ocular motor dysfunctions.
Analyze eye movement control systems and their brainstem connectivity.
Develop individualized rehabilitation strategies for ocular motor deficits.
Differentiate clinical conditions affecting cranial nerves and ocular systems.

Syllabus

Components

Foundations of Cranial Nerve Function
- Embryological development of cranial nerves
- Functional classification: sensory and motor divisions (GSA, GSE, GVA, GVE, SSA, SVA, SVE)
- Clinical anatomy of cranial bones, foramina, and common compression sites
- Brainstem organization: medulla, pons, and mesencephalon
- Cranial nerve nuclei and vascular supply
- Reticular formation and integrative brainstem functions
- Cranial nerve examination procedures
- Visual and auditory testing (olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial)
- Fundoscopic and visual acuity testing (Snellen, field assessment)
- Lower cranial nerve assessment (VIII–XII)
- Auditory and vestibular testing: Weber, Rinne, and caloric stimulation
- Integrative neuroanatomy: vagus, accessory, and hypoglossal pathways
- Rehabilitation principles for cranial nerve dysfunction
- Metabolic capacity and plasticity support
- Active activation and inhibition techniques

Ocular Motor System: Structure and Control
- Clinical anatomy of ocular motility
- Extraocular muscle function and neural innervation
- Central control systems for gaze and fixation
- Types of eye movements and neural substrates
  - Vergence, gaze holding, pursuit, saccades, and optokinetic mechanisms
- Central integration of ocular motility
- Pathophysiology of ocular motor disorders
  - Convergence insufficiency, gaze-holding nystagmus, pursuit deficits
- Disorders of saccades: latency, symmetry, and pharmacological modulation
- Disorders of the optokinetic system and diagnostic contamination
- Neuroanatomical correlates of saccadic control
Clinical Integration & Rehabilitation
- Clinical diagnosis of ocular motor dysfunction
- Case analysis: convergence insufficiency, saccadic intrusions, vertical gaze palsy
- Review of imaging and laboratory findings
- Rehabilitation applications:
  - Olfactory, visual, and oculomotor exercises
- Hemi-field and color stimulation
- VOR and OPK training
- Cranial nerve rehabilitation strategies:
- Trigeminal and facial nerve activation
- Limbic and cortical-based facial expression exercises
- Myofascial and TMJ manipulation
- Advanced oculomotor rehabilitation:
  - Convergence/accommodation therapy
  - Saccadic and pursuit retraining
  - Visual-vestibular integration for dynamic gaze control
  - Neural plasticity modulation for chronic conditions

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Live Event Info

schedule & location

Date(s):

June 5-7, 2026

Schedule:

Friday: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Event Location:

Carrick Institute Learning Center

(See Details Below)

Time Zone:

Eastern (New York)

Dress Code:

Casual Attire (No Ripped Clothing or Open-Toed Shoes)

Venue

Carrick Institute Learning Center

8910 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
USA

Venue-Specific Details:

Access Info:

Parking Info:

Phone:

+1-321-868-6464

Airport:

MCO

–

Orlando International Airport

Suggested hotels

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach

9000 Astronaut Blvd
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
USA

Phone:

+1 321-868-1841

Make a reservation →

Reservation Note:

This hotel is directly adjacent to the Carrick Institute Learning Center. It is about a 1-2 minute walk and has great views of rocket launches from the north side.

Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port

9004 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
USA

Phone:

321-784-0025

Make a reservation →

Reservation Note:

This hotel is just adjacent the Carrick Institute and is connected to the Homewood Suites. It will take approximately 2 minutes to walk to the Carrick Institute Learning Center. It has a pool, outdoor basketball court, and a gym.

Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

2080 North Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
USA

Phone:

+1-321-783-9222

Make a reservation →

Reservation Note:

This hotel is not walking distance from the Carrick Institute, but is right on the beach, just south of the Cocoa Beach Pier. You will need a car to get from the hotel to the Carrick Institute Learning Center. It is about a 5-10 minute drive depending on traffic and local events.