Velopharanyngeal Insufficiency (VPI)

Velopharanyngeal Insufficiency (VPI)

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) occurs when the soft palate can not effectively close off the connection between the nose and the mouth allowing air to escape through the nose.  This make lead to very nasal speech and make it hard for people to understand your child when he or she is speaking.  The motion of the soft palate can be evaluated using endoscopy (small camera placed through the nose).  If indicated, surgery can be performed to help close off the connection and improve speech.