Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

David Sainsbury, Caroline C. Williams, FV Mehendale

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), its impact, aetiology, assessment, and management. VPD may cause hypernasal, weak, and unintelligible speech, facial grimacing, nasal turbulence and nasal regurgitation, middle ear problems, and sinusitis. Such manifestations may be distressing for the patient, be associated with poor academic outcomes, be negatively perceived by others, lead to bullying and withdrawal, and result in relationship and employment difficulties. Like the effect of a visible difference on psychosocial confidence and self-esteem, the manifestations of VPD on emotional well-being and social interaction do not necessarily correlate with the amount of speech, language, or communication dysfunction. Normal anatomy, neuromotor function, and speech learning are prerequisites for effective velopharyngeal function. A problem with any of these components may result in a velopharyngeal mechanism that fails to efficiently and fully close throughout oral speech sound formation leading to VPD and an ensuing speech disorder. Perceptual speech evaluation is used to diagnose VPD. Lateral videofluoroscopy and nasoendoscopy are commonly deployed to assess velopharyngeal function and determine management strategies. Surgical interventions include pharyngoplasty, pharyngeal flaps, and velopharyngeal augmentation. Non-surgical interventions include speech prostheses and nasal obturators for speech improvement.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOxford Textbook of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
EditorsSimon Kay, Daniel Wilks, David McCombe
PublisherOxford University Press
Chapter6.13
Pages 777–C6.13.S34
ISBN (Electronic) 9780191895500
ISBN (Print)9780199682874
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Aug 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • speech surgery, VPI, cleft palate

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