Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

Also known as: VPD.

What is velopharyngeal dysfunction?

The roof of the mouth, side walls of the throat and back wall of the throat together make up a bodily structure known as the velopharyngeal valve that is important for speech. When something goes wrong with this part of the body, it is known as velopharyngeal dysfunction.

What causes velopharyngeal dysfunction?

Velopharyngeal dysfunction is related to certain birth defects such as cleft palate or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. It can also occur after adenoid surgery or due to weak throat muscles, among other causes.

What are the symptoms of velopharyngeal dysfunction?

A variety of speech and breathing difficulties can accompany velopharyngeal dysfunction. These include nasal speech, difficulty enunciating certain words or sounds or pauses in breathing or speech while talking, among other symptoms.

What are velopharyngeal dysfunction care options?

Speech therapy, a mouth apparatus that assists with speaking and surgery are all potential treatments for velopharyngeal dysfunction.


Reviewed by: Yamilet Tirado, MD

This page was last updated on: October 03, 2019 03:17 PM