velopharyngeal insufficiency
Pronunciation: VEE-low-fair-in-JEE-ul
Also written as: VPI — Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Incomplete closure of the soft palate against the posterior pharyngeal wall during speech, causing hypernasality.
Full Definition
Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a condition where the soft palate fails to make adequate contact with the posterior pharyngeal wall during speech production, resulting in air and sound escaping through the nose. This creates characteristic hypernasal speech, audible nasal air emission, and potential articulation difficulties. VPI can result from cleft palate, submucous cleft, adenoid removal, or neurological conditions. Diagnosis involves perceptual speech assessment, nasometry, and sometimes videofluoroscopy or nasal endoscopy. Treatment options include speech therapy, palatal obturators, or surgical interventions such as pharyngeal flaps or sphincter pharyngoplasty.
Usage
Usage note: VPI and VPD are often used interchangeably but technically refer to different aspects of the condition.
In Context
- "Speech evaluation revealed moderate velopharyngeal insufficiency with hypernasality." — Assessment report
- "VPI correction surgery is planned to improve speech intelligibility." — Treatment plan