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Published on: December 1, 2023
Diagnosis and Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Robert S Glade1, Randolph Deal2
1Oromaxillofacial Surgery, Oklahoma University, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, USA.
Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) occurs when the velopharyngeal valve fails to close, impacting speech. Diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary team using various evaluation methods.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is characterized by improper closure of the velopharyngeal valve during oral sound production.
- VPD encompasses velopharyngeal mislearning, incompetence, and insufficiency, each with distinct underlying causes.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of speech sound disorders associated with VPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and its various etiologies.
- To outline the recommended diagnostic process for VPD.
- To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in evaluating VPD.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive patient history and physical examination.
- Perceptual speech evaluation by trained clinicians.
- Instrumental speech assessment using video nasoendoscopy or multiview speech fluoroscopy.
Main Results:
- VPD is classified into mislearning, incompetence, and insufficiency based on causative factors.
- A combination of subjective and objective measures is essential for accurate VPD diagnosis.
- Multidisciplinary team evaluation ensures a thorough assessment of VPD.
Conclusions:
- Velopharyngeal dysfunction necessitates a structured diagnostic pathway.
- The integration of clinical observation and instrumental data is key to understanding VPD.
- Effective management of VPD relies on accurate etiological identification through a coordinated team effort.
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