The confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. When the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services began Wednesday, with people around the country who agreed to hear the 71-year answer by pressing questions from legislators. But while many follow the hearing close to learning more about the nominated plans for the future of American healthcare, several have flagged the gravelly sound of RFK Jr.’s voice.
Kennedy has talked about this before. He has a condition called spasmodic dysphony, which means that his voice has noticeable shivers – and he is not happy with it. Kennedy told us Los Angeles Times In an article in April 2024 that he “cannot stand the” sound of his “terrible” voice. “If I could sound better I would,” he added.
Kennedy said he first noticed a change in his vote in 1996 and suggested that the flu vaccine was “at least a potential culprit” in the development of his cramping modic dysphony. (But he admitted to the publication that there is no evidence of this. RFK Jr. has also been strongly involved in the anti-wax movement.)
But his hearing has put the condition back in the limelight and increased in addition to its qualifications for the US government. In fact, “Why is RFK’s voice so gravelly?” is a breakout term on Google. In front of we asked doctors to consider RFK Jr.’s voice and everything else to know about his condition – from what causes spasmodic dysphony to how it is treated.
Experts shown in this article:
Fillip songMD, is the head of the Laryngology Department at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and assistant professor of Otolaryngology head and neck surgery at Harvard Medical School.
In the middle of MehdizadehrMD, is an otolaryngologist and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, approx.
What is spasmodic dysphony?
Spasmodic dysphony is a disturbance that affects the voice muscle in the larynx, also called the voting box, according to National Institute on Deafness and other communication disorders (Nidcd).
Speech means that air is shot from the lungs between vocal folds. These cords then vibrate and create the sound from your voice. But spasmodic dysphony causes the muscles inside the vocal fold to spasma, disturb these vibrations, explains Phillip Song, MD, head of the division of laryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Deputy Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Spasmodic dysphony is a chronic condition that can suddenly develop and usually continues through a person’s life, according to NIDCD. That said, it is considered a rare disorder. About 50,000 people in North America have spasmodic dysphony, according to Dysfonia International.
Why sound RFK Jr.’s voice Raspy?
Everyone experiences spasmodic dysphony differently, but the condition usually has a noticeable impact on the voice. “The voice comes very strained,” says Dr. Song. “There is also voting crime.”
Spasmodic dysphony is usually not painful, although it may be uncomfortable for patients who have a serious form of condition. “It may feel like someone is pushing their neck,” explains Dr. Song. “Sometimes it also feels like there is a lump in the throat.”
People with spasmodic dysphony may also experience symptoms more after talking a lot, Per Dr. Song. It makes the condition challenging for those with “vocally demanding careers”, as teachers and politicians, says Dr. Song.
What causes spasmodic dysphony?
While Kennedy suggested that his spasmodic dysphony be caused by the flu vaccine, there is no evidence to back up this. Dr. Song says the condition is usually considered idiopathic – which means that doctors do not know exactly why some people develop it.
But spasmodic dysphony is believed to be due to abnormal function in an area of the brain called basal ganglia, which helps to coordinate muscle movement throughout the body, says Dr. Song. Deviations in other areas of the brain, including some areas of the cerebral cortex, which control and coordinate commands to muscles, can also play a role, according to NIDCD. “The way that voice and speech is conducted throughout the brain is complicated,” says Dr. Song. “There are many connections.”
But spasmodic dysphony can also be caused by several factors, says Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, an otolaryngologist and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, ca. “Some believe it may be due to a central (brain) injury,” he says. “There may also be a genetic trait.”
How is spasmodic dysphony treated?
People with spasmodic dysphony have several treatment options available. Dr. Mehdizadeh, however, says that the “gold standard” for the treatment receives small amounts of botulinum toxin (botox) injected directly into the larynx. “This helps the vocal creases that spasms to relax,” he explains.
Dr. Song says the pictures only take about five minutes and are given to patients every three to six months or as needed. “Many people will come into a schedule,” he says. “People with vocally demanding careers come in regularly. I have many teachers in my practice who come in (for injections) near the end of the summer to try to get ready before the school year.”
While Botox injections are the most important treatment that doctors who treat spasmodic dysphony, published Dr. Song recently research It showed sodium oxybate, an oral medication that is also used to treat narcolepsy, can also help with symptoms.
Vocal therapy can also help people learn to work with their condition, says Dr. Song. But unfortunately, spasmodic dysphony tends to be a lifelong condition. “It will generally not disappear on its own,” says Dr. Mehdizadeh.
Corin Miller is a writer specialized in general wellness, health and lifestyle trends. Her work has emerged in women’s health, herself, health, Forbes and more.
