what is wrong with kennedy voice

10 months ago 27
Nature

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s voice has been described as raspy and strained, and he has been public about being diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic neurological voice disorder and a focal laryngeal dystonia. This disorder results in involuntary spasms of the muscles that open or close the vocal folds, causing a voice that presents with breaks and strained/strangled quality or breathy quality, depending on the type of spasmodic dysphonia (adductor or abductor) . There is no cure for the condition, but patients can undergo speech therapy or counseling to better manage symptoms of SD including breaks, strain, roughness, breathiness, and effortful voicing.