why does rfk jr voice sound like that

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s distinctive, raspy voice is due to a rare neurological condition called spasmodic dysphonia. This disorder causes involuntary spasms in the muscles that control the vocal cords, leading to a voice that sounds strained, shaky, or strangled. Kennedy has spoken openly about his frustration with the sound of his voice, which he describes as "terrible" and "strained," despite his vocal cords being physically healthy. Spasmodic dysphonia typically involves abnormal nerve signals in the brain affecting muscle control in the larynx. It is a chronic condition that tends to appear in midlife and has no cure, though Kennedy has been treated with botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to manage symptoms. He first noticed changes in his voice around age 42, and the condition has persisted for decades, making his speaking voice noticeably different from his earlier, stronger voice.