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Velopharyngeal insufficiency in neurofibromatosis
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|September 1, 1981
Summary
Neurofibromatosis can cause hypernasal speech in patients due to velopharyngeal valving failures. Further research is needed to determine the exact cause of this speech disorder in individuals with neurofibromatosis.
Area of Science:
- Speech pathology
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can affect nerve tissues.
- Hypernasal speech is a speech disorder characterized by excessive nasal resonance.
- Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a condition where the soft palate does not close properly during speech.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between neurofibromatosis and hypernasal speech.
- To identify the underlying causes of velopharyngeal valving failures in patients with neurofibromatosis and hypernasal speech.
Main Methods:
- Case series of 7 patients with neurofibromatosis and hypernasal speech.
- Multi-view videofluoroscopy of the velopharyngeal sphincter.
- Nasopharyngoscopy of the velopharyngeal sphincter.
Main Results:
- All 7 patients exhibited hypernasal speech associated with neurofibromatosis.
- Videofluoroscopic and nasopharyngoscopic examinations revealed various velopharyngeal valving failures.
- The specific pathogenesis of velopharyngeal insufficiency in these patients remained undetermined despite extensive evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Neurofibromatosis may be associated with velopharyngeal valving dysfunction leading to hypernasal speech.
- The etiology of VPI in this patient group is complex and requires further investigation.
- Multi-view videofluoroscopy and nasopharyngoscopy are valuable tools for assessing velopharyngeal function.