CRAFTA 1.3 Cranial Neuropathies Management

The CRAFTA® Clinical Series in Temporomandibular & Orofacial Dysfunction and Pain now consists of three flexible hybrid courses that can be taken in any order:

• CRAFTA 1.1 Orofacial and Temporomandibular Management
• CRAFTA 1.2 Craniofacial Pain Syndromes
• CRAFTA 1.3 Cranial Neuropathies Management 

Each course blends self-paced online learning with focused in-person training, allowing participants to build a strong theoretical foundation before applying their skills in the clinic.

Each live course is delivered as an intensive two-day hands-on experience, designed to help clinicians: 

• Strengthen clinical reasoning for head, neck, and jaw disorders

• Develop advanced assessment and treatment techniques for TMD and orofacial pain

• Practice evidence-informed manual therapy skills in a supervised environment

• Learn through real clinical case discussions and collaborative problem-solving

CRAFTA® courses combine scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and a dynamic learning environment, creating a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the craniofacial and upper quadrant system in theory and in practice.

Participants also benefit from a unique interdisciplinary learning environment, working alongside dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. This collaborative setting helps students better understand the multidisciplinary management of complex craniofacial conditions commonly seen in practice.

Whether you want to expand your expertise in TMD management, enhance outcomes for patients with head, neck, and facial pain, or strengthen collaboration with dental and medical colleagues, the redesigned CRAFTA® Level 1 Clinical Series provides practical tools you can apply immediately in your clinic.

CRAFTA 1.3 Cranial Neuropathies Management

In and Around the Brainstem

The CRAFTA 1.3 course focuses on the clinical patterns of cranial neuropathies and their impact on the craniofacial and cervical regions. Through a combination of structured video lectures and intensive practical sessions, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms behind cranial nerve-related pain and dysfunction.

The theoretical part explores the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and clinical classification of cranial neuropathies, presenting a clear framework for interpreting various dysfunctions. Typical clinical manifestations, such as facial paresis, trigeminal or glossopharyngeal pain, voice and swallowing disorders, and oculomotor disturbances, are discussed in detail, linking modern evidence to everyday clinical reasoning.

During the practical sessions, you will learn to recognize, assess, and manage cranial nerve dysfunctions using specific manual, sensory, and neurodynamic approaches within the CRAFTA® concept. The aim is to translate theoretical insight directly into precise, hands-on clinical practice, enabling therapists to address even complex cranio-neural presentations with confidence and clarity.

Key skills: clinical reasoning, conduction, palpation, and neurodynamic assessment of cranial nerves.

Bundle Discount

Save 15% when you register for all three modules of the CRAFTA® Clinical Series in Temporomandibular & Orofacial Dysfunction and Pain at the same time

Group Discount

15% off for groups of three or more students registering for the same course.

Special Discounts

10% off for new graduates, active military/veterans, residents, and full-time university faculty.

At the completion of the CRAFTA 1.3 course, students will be able to 

• Describe the clinical classification of cranial neuropathies (CCCN) and its relevance for differential diagnosis and management.
• Demonstrate applied neuroanatomy knowledge of the cranial nerves, their clinical relevance, and their relationship to typical symptom patterns
• Assess the mechanosensitivity of the nervous system (Category 1) leading to hypothesis-driven clinical reasoning.
• Perform a structured examination of cranial nerves (Category 2), including the trigeminal (V), facial (VII), vestibulocochlear (VIII), and accessory (XI) nerve assessment.
• Apply treatment concepts for peripheral neurogenic dysfunctions, including manual and neurodynamic approaches, within appropriate precautions and prognostic considerations.
• Assess the cranial nerves (Category 3), including the olfactory (I), optic (II), and ocular motor control system nerves (III, IV, VI) and interpret findings clinically.
• Integrate the assessment of speech and swallowing system nerves (IX, X, XI/XII as applicable) into a comprehensive cranial neuropathy work-up.
• Demonstrate case-based reasoning and treatment examples for facial paresis and trigeminal neuropathies, linking findings to management planning.
• Formulate clear management priorities, red flag considerations, and referral decisions when neuropathic features or serious pathology are suspected.

Online

Videos

1. Clinical Classification of Cranial Neuropathies | 90 minutes

2. Neuroanatomy of Cranial Nerve Tissue | 30 minutes

3. Examination of Mechanical Sensitivity of the Nervous System | 30 minutes

4. Treatment Concept Related to Peripheral Neurogenic Dysfunctions | 45 minutes

5. Clinical Considerations | 90 minutes

Total time of videos: 4 hours and 45 minutes

Required Reading

1. Henderson Sr, F. C., Henderson Jr, F. C., Wilson IV, W. A., Mark, A. S., & Koby, M. (2018). Utility of the clivo-axial angle in assessing brainstem deformity: pilot study and literature review. Neurosurgical review, 41(1), 149-163 | 60 minutes

2. Scholz J, Finnerup NB, Attal N, Aziz Q, Baron R, Bennett MI, Benoliel R, Cohen M, Cruccu G, Davis KD, Evers S, First M, Giamberardino MA, Hansson P, Kaasa S, Korwisi B, Kosek E, Lavand'homme P, Nicholas M, Nurmikko T, Perrot S, Raja SN, Rice ASC, Rowbotham MC, Schug S, Simpson DM, Smith BH, Svensson P, Vlaeyen JWS, Wang SJ, Barke A, Rief W, Treede RD; Classification Committee of the Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG). The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic neuropathic pain. Pain. 2019 Jan;160(1):53-59. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001365 | 60 minutes

3. Miranda, C. C. V., Seda, L. D. F., & Pelloso, L. R. C. D. A. (2016). New physiological classification of pains: current concept of neuropathic pain. Revista Dor, 17(suppl 1), 2-4 | 45 minutes

4. Libreros-Jiménez HM, Manzo J, Rojas-Durán F, Aranda-Abreu GE, García-Hernández LI, Coria-Ávila GA, Herrera-Covarrubias D, Pérez-Estudillo CA, Toledo-Cárdenas MR, Hernández-Aguilar ME. On the Cranial Nerves. NeuroSci. 2023 Dec 28;5(1):8-38. doi: 10.3390/neurosci5010002 | 90 minutes

5. Von Piekartz, H., & Hall, T. (2018). Clinical classification of cranial neuropathies. Temporomandibular Disorders: Manual Therapy, Exercise and Needling; Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Mesa-Jimenez, J., Eds, 205-221 | 75 minutes

Total reading time: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Total time of the online course component: 10 hours and 15 minutes

Live Course

Actual times may vary with each program at the discretion of the instructors.

Day 1

07:30 - 08:00 Registration

08:00 - 09:30 Introduction + Questions (Videos 1–3)

09:30 - 10:30 Mechanical sensitivity of the nervous system (Category 1): Neck Flexion Test (mechanosensitivity screening)

10:30 - 10:45 Questions & Answers

10:45 – 12:30 Cranial nerves examination (Category 2): Trigeminal nerve: V1 (ophthalmic), V2 (maxillary), V3 (mandibular)

12:30 - 01:30 Lunch

01:30 - 03:00 Cranial nerves examination (continued): Facial nerve (CN VII) and Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

03:00 - 03:15 Questions & Answers

03:15 - 04:00 Accessory nerve (CN XI): Clinical examination & interpretation

04:00 - 04:15 Questions & Answers

04:15 - 06:00 Treatment concepts related to peripheral neurogenic dysfunctions: Principles, indications/contra-indications, practical applications

Day 2

08:00 - 09:00 Questions (Video 3)

09:00 - 10:00 Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): Assessment and clinical reasoning

10:00 - 10:15 Questions & Answers

10:15 - 12:00 Cranial nerves examination (Category 3): Olfactory (CN I), Optic (CN II), oculomotor control system: CN III, IV, VI

12:00 - 01:00 Lunch

01:00 - 02:30 Speech and Swallowing System: Glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and Vagus (CN X)

02:30 - 02:45 Questions & Answers

02:45 - 03:30 Applied cases & management: Peripheral neuropathy; facial paresis, trigeminal neuropathy, odontalgia

03:30 - 04:00 Wrap-up + Closing - Summary, questions, evaluation

1. Henderson Sr, F. C., Henderson Jr, F. C., Wilson IV, W. A., Mark, A. S., & Koby, M. (2018). Utility of the clivo-axial angle in assessing brainstem deformity: pilot study and literature review. Neurosurgical review, 41(1), 149-163

2. Scholz J, Finnerup NB, Attal N, Aziz Q, Baron R, Bennett MI, Benoliel R, Cohen M, Cruccu G, Davis KD, Evers S, First M, Giamberardino MA, Hansson P, Kaasa S, Korwisi B, Kosek E, Lavand'homme P, Nicholas M, Nurmikko T, Perrot S, Raja SN, Rice ASC, Rowbotham MC, Schug S, Simpson DM, Smith BH, Svensson P, Vlaeyen JWS, Wang SJ, Barke A, Rief W, Treede RD; Classification Committee of the Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG). The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic neuropathic pain. Pain. 2019 Jan;160(1):53-59. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001365

3. Miranda, C. C. V., Seda, L. D. F., & Pelloso, L. R. C. D. A. (2016). New physiological classification of pains: current concept of neuropathic pain. Revista Dor, 17(suppl 1), 2-4

4. Libreros-Jiménez HM, Manzo J, Rojas-Durán F, Aranda-Abreu GE, García-Hernández LI, Coria-Ávila GA, Herrera-Covarrubias D, Pérez-Estudillo CA, Toledo-Cárdenas MR, Hernández-Aguilar ME. On the Cranial Nerves. NeuroSci. 2023 Dec 28;5(1):8-38. doi: 10.3390/neurosci5010002

5. Von Piekartz, H., & Hall, T. (2018). Clinical classification of cranial neuropathies. Temporomandibular Disorders: Manual Therapy, Exercise and Needling; Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Mesa-Jimenez, J., Eds, 205-221

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, dentists, and speech-language pathologists interested in orofacial pain and function.

CRAFTA 1.1 Orofacial and Temporomandibular Management

CRAFTA 1.2 Craniofacial Pain Syndromes – Module 1.2

The Therapist's Guide to Treating Patients with Facial Palsy

Pending