Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shakes or has a tremble in his voice 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 strained, shaky, or breathy voice. He has had this condition for decades, diagnosed in his early 40s, and it affects how his vocal muscles move, making it hard for him to speak with a steady voice. Treatments like botulinum toxin injections have been used, but the condition persists as it is chronic and without a cure. The exact cause is thought to be related to abnormal nerve signaling in brain areas that control muscle movement. This condition impacts about 50,000 people in North America and significantly influences Kennedy's speech quality and ability to communicate effectively.
