Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Unique Speaking Voice
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s halting, gruff speaking voice has been a focus during his confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, 71, has spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological condition that causes involuntary spasms in the muscles that open and close his vocal cords. This condition robbed him of his typically strong speaking voice in his early 40s.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a subset of dystonia, a muscle contraction disorder that can affect many parts of the body. It is estimated to affect up to 50,000 people in North America, and is a relatively unknown condition. Dystonia is thought to begin in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia that controls how muscles contract. Treatments for dystonia are limited, and may include medications, deep-brain stimulation, physical and speech therapy, and acupuncture.
Injections of botulism toxin can also relax muscles and treat some types of dystonia. However, the condition often attacks the part of the body a person uses most for their profession, which can have a significant impact on their life. For example, a musician may lose control of their fingers or an entire hand, while a radio host may develop a form of dystonia that affects their vocal cords.
Spasmodic dysphonia can dramatically affect the lives of those who develop it, causing physical, emotional, and functional losses. Many individuals with SD feel that their voices don’t accurately portray emotions, personality, and competence, and may experience emotional distress, loss of job or salary, forced career change, reduced social participation, and negative changes in personal relationships.