Velopharyngeal insufficiency

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) occurs when the soft palate (the back part of the roof of the mouth) and the walls of the throat do not close properly during speech and swallowing. This gap allows air and sound waves to escape through the nose, causing speech to sound nasal or muffled and making it difficult to pronounce certain words clearly. VPI can result from anatomical issues like cleft palate, injury, or surgery-related scarring. Proper diagnosis often involves speech evaluation and imaging, and treatment options include speech therapy or surgical correction to restore normal function.