Hailing from one of the country’s most iconic Democratic families, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is facing tough questions Wednesday about his opposition to vaccines, fluoride in water, and junk food as senators weigh his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist with no medical degree, landed the cabinet nomination after endorsing President Trump’s successful presidential campaign. Trump told supporters he would let Kennedy “go wild on health” during the election.
Now that Kennedy is poised to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services., people are curious about his halting speaking style. Kennedy has a rare disorder called spasmodic dysphonia — a spasm of the vocal muscles.
Kennedy is one of an estimated 50,000 people in North America with SD, as it is often referred to, a neurological condition that creates a vocal tremble in mostly middle-aged people that usually lasts for the rest of their lives.
There is no cure, but treatments can temporarily reduce symptoms.
Here’s what to know about spasmodic dysphonia:
Related: RFK Jr. faces opposition from senators in fiery confirmation hearing
RFK Jr. and spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia has recently been spotlighted due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s prominence in the Trump campaign. While the candidate has had the disorder for almost 30 years, his raspy, trembling voice has received more attention with a host of stump speeches, media appearances, and advertisements.
In a 2024 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kennedy said his voice doesn’t tire or get worse as he speaks. It just sounds like he’s always on the verge of breaking down.
How is spasmodic dysphonia treated?
To date, no known cure for spasmodic dysphonia exists. However, several forms of treatment — including speech therapy, drugs and surgery — are available to alleviate or control the symptoms of the vocal spasms on a temporary or long-lasting basis.
Dr. Andrew Blitzer, a New Jersey ear, nose, and throat specialist, developed a now-common treatment for SD that involves injecting Botox into the throat muscles to control the vocal cords, the USA TODAY Network reported. Although it doesn’t treat the neurological condition, it helps abate the symptoms for three to four months on average.
The problem has long been diagnosing the condition. Many of Dr. Blitzer’s first patients had been seen by an average of 13 doctors and other medical personnel, from psychiatrists to speech pathologists, before they were diagnosed with SD. The situation has improved now that SD is taught more in medical schools and during ENT residencies. Still, many of Dr. Blitzer’s patients come from across the U.S. and even overseas to have him treat them.
“You can make a big difference in people’s lives by giving them their voice back,” he said. “It’s such a small procedure, but it makes a big difference.”
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What’s wrong with RFK Jr’s voice. Spasmodic dysphonia explained
