Velopharyngeal insufficiency

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (pronunciation: vee-loh-fair-in-gee-al in-suh-fish-en-see) is a medical condition that occurs when the Velopharyngeal sphincter (VPS) fails to close completely during the production of certain sounds, which are known as oral sounds. This condition is often associated with Cleft palate and can affect an individual's ability to speak.

Etymology

The term "Velopharyngeal insufficiency" is derived from three words: "velum", which is Latin for "veil"; "pharynx", which is Greek for "throat"; and "insufficiency", which is Latin for "not enough". The term thus refers to the insufficient closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter, which acts as a veil between the throat and the nasal cavity during speech.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of velopharyngeal insufficiency is Hypernasality, or the excessive escape of air through the nose during speech. Other symptoms may include nasal air emission, weak or omitted consonants, and compensatory articulation behaviors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of velopharyngeal insufficiency typically involves a multi-disciplinary team, including a Speech-language pathologist, an Otolaryngologist, and a Plastic surgeon. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through a combination of perceptual speech assessment, instrumental assessment, and physical examination.

Treatment

Treatment for velopharyngeal insufficiency may involve speech therapy, prosthetic devices, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's specific needs. The goal of treatment is to improve the individual's speech and overall quality of life.

Related Terms

• Velopharyngeal closure
• Velopharyngeal dysfunction
• Nasopharynx
• Pharyngeal flap surgery

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Velopharyngeal insufficiency
• Wikipedia's article - Velopharyngeal insufficiency

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