Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (“VPI”) is the failure of the separation between nose and mouth because of an anatomical dysfunction of the soft palate, the lateral or posterior wall of the pharynx. VPI can be caused by structural, genetic functional or acquired disorders and is quite often associated with a cleft palate. This dysfunction leads to problems with speech, eating and breathing.
Diagnosing VPI is crucial because an incorrect diagnosis can lead to insufficient differential management. Speech analysation, nasometry, nasoendoscopy, videofluoroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging are all tools which can be used to diagnose VPI.
Treatment of VPI can range from speech therapy, surgery when necessary, or a combination of the two.
If your child suffers from symptoms of velopharyngeal insufficiency, please contact one of our board-certified ENT specialists and schedule an appointment for your child.
