Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s distinctive voice is caused by a rare neurological condition called spasmodic dysphonia. This disorder leads to involuntary spasms in the muscles that control the vocal cords, producing a strained, raspy, or broken voice. It is not due to overuse or emotional distress but originates from an abnormality in the brain's neural network affecting voice control. RFK Jr. has had this condition for decades, with symptoms typically starting in midlife. Despite its effects, the condition is chronic and currently has no cure, though treatments like Botox injections are used to manage it. His voice's raspiness and quivering are characteristic of this disorder, which affects roughly 50,000 people in North America and manifests as difficulty speaking smoothly while leaving other vocal functions like laughing or shouting relatively unaffected.
What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder where muscles in and around the larynx undergo involuntary spasms. These spasms cause the vocal cords to tighten or loosen uncontrollably, resulting in a voice that sounds strained, tight, or breathy, depending on the type of spasmodic dysphonia. There are three main types: adductor (most common, tight voice), abductor (loosened vocal cords causing breathiness), and mixed.
Effects on Voice
The spasms cause vocal breaks, a shaky quality, and difficulty maintaining a smooth speaking voice. Interestingly, vocal issues typically don't affect a person's ability to sing, laugh, or whisper. Because the cause is neurological, the voice issues do not improve from vocal practice alone.
Diagnosis and Prevalence
The condition is rare, affecting about 1 in 100,000 US adults or around 50,000 people in North America. It usually begins between ages 30 and 50 and may be triggered by genetics, viral infections such as mumps, or other unknown neurological factors.
Treatment and Management
Though there is no cure, symptoms can be managed using treatments like Botox injections to reduce the spasms. RFK Jr. has publicly discussed his experience with this condition and how it impacts his voice in public appearances and speeches. In summary, RFK Jr.'s voice sounds strained and raspy due to spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder causing involuntary spasms of the vocal muscles.
