what happened to robert kennedy's voice

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s voice is affected by a rare neurological condition called spasmodic dysphonia. This disorder causes involuntary spasms in the muscles that control the vocal cords, leading to breaks, strain, and a shaky or raspy quality in the voice. Kennedy first noticed symptoms in his 40s and has been managing the condition for decades. The spasms make his voice sound choked, halting, or tremulous, which has significantly changed the strong, clear voice he once had. Treatments such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have been used, but their effectiveness varies by individual. Kennedy even underwent a surgical procedure in Japan involving a titanium bridge between his vocal cords to improve the condition, but this surgery is not widely approved or consistently effective. The root cause is believed to be abnormal nerve signaling from the brain, which causes these muscular spasms in the larynx. Spasmodic dysphonia affects about 50,000 people in North America, and while it is chronic, it is not considered progressive or damaging to overall health. The condition creates communication challenges but is being researched for better treatments potentially involving brain stimulation. Kennedy has openly spoken about his frustration with his voice and how it impacts public speaking, but he also notes that the more he uses his voice, the stronger it becomes despite the symptoms.