Health
What to Know About RFK Jr.’s Voice Disorder
Health Points
- Spasmodic dysphonia is a rare neurological voice disorder.
- It often develops in midlife and affects more women than men.
- Treatments can include Botox injections and surgery.
Since taking office as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s voice has drawn attention for its quivering, raspy quality, especially in public settings.
This unique sound is due to spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition affecting the muscles of the larynx, which Kennedy has spoken about openly over the years.
“I can’t stand my voice,” Kennedy shared in a 2023 interview.
He first noticed changes in how he spoke during his early forties, a time when public speaking was a major part of his career.
“When I was 42 years old, I got struck with a disease, a neurological disease, an injury called spasmodic dysphonia, and it makes my voice tremble,” Kennedy explained.
This disorder causes involuntary spasms in the vocal cords, leading to a strained or breaking sound, and can be triggered or worsened by stress.
Approximately 50,000 people in North America are affected by spasmodic dysphonia, with onset most often between ages 30 and 50, according to Mount Sinai.
More women are diagnosed than men, and the condition tends to impact those who use their voices extensively.
For diagnosis, ear, nose and throat specialists perform a special examination called fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy to observe vocal fold function.
“I feel sorry for the people who have to listen to me,” Kennedy remarked.
To manage his symptoms, Kennedy has undergone treatment such as Botox injections into his vocal cords and even a unique surgical procedure in Kyoto, which placed a titanium bridge in his vocal folds.
Researchers say the origins of spasmodic dysphonia involve brain areas that control muscle coordination, though the exact cause remains unclear and may sometimes follow illness or injury.
Understanding and addressing voice disorders like this can help support overall communication and wellbeing, especially for those over 40 who may be at increased risk.
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