why does rfk jr voice sound different

1 day ago 5
Nature

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s voice sounds different because he has a rare neurological condition called spasmodic dysphonia. This disorder causes involuntary spasms in the muscles that control the vocal cords, resulting in a strained, shaky, or breathy quality in his voice. The condition affects speech by causing breaks and a strained or strangled sound, which makes his voice sound raspy and uneven compared to a typical voice. RFK Jr. has had this condition for decades, first noticing symptoms in his early 40s, and he has discussed how much he dislikes the sound of his voice caused by this neurological injury. The condition is chronic and has no cure, but it can be managed with treatments like Botox injections. The cause of spasmodic dysphonia is not fully known but is linked to abnormal nerve signaling in the brain's areas controlling vocal muscle movement.