RFK Jr.’s campaign impacted by spasmodic dysphonia.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Rare Voice Disorder Shines Spotlight on His Presidential Campaign
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s entrance into the 2024 presidential race has captivated audiences, shedding light on his unique struggle with spasmodic dysphonia, a rare voice disorder.
As the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, Kennedy Jr. has garnered a significant following, even challenging a sitting president within his own party. In fact, a recent CNN poll revealed that 20% of Democrats prefer Kennedy over President Joe Biden.
What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Spasmodic dysphonia is an exceptionally rare condition, affecting only one in 100,000 individuals, according to estimates from the Cleveland Clinic.
This disorder impacts the muscles in the larynx, commonly known as the voice box, causing the vocal cords to vibrate abnormally and disrupt normal speech patterns.
“Spasmodic dysphonia causes voice breaks during speaking and can make the voice sound tight, strained, or breathy,” explains the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “In severe cases, spasms may occur on every word, making a person’s speech very difficult to understand.”
The NIDCD suggests that this disorder may be caused by abnormal functioning in a specific area of the brain called the basal ganglia, which is responsible for coordinating muscle movement and language processing. Factors such as strokes and drug abuse can impact basal ganglia function.
While there is no specific gene associated with spasmodic dysphonia, the disorder does tend to run in families, indicating that familial genetic mutations may contribute to its development.
Although there is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, the most common forms of treatment include speech therapy and Botox injections.
Botox injections weaken specific sections of the vocal cord muscle fiber, preventing the abnormal contractions that distort the patient’s voice. These injections can improve voice functioning within 24 hours. Over time, as new nerve cells regenerate, the vocal cords regain their normal strength, temporarily alleviating the dysphonia.
In severe cases, surgery may be an option, but treatment plans vary for each patient. The NIDCD emphasizes that there is no definitive “best treatment” for spasmodic dysphonia.
Kennedy’s Journey with Spasmodic Dysphonia
Video footage of RFK Jr.’s public appearances over time reveals that his voice began to change in the late 1990s.
In a 2007 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Kennedy disclosed his struggle with the disorder, stating that it didn’t affect him until he was around 43 years old. Despite not causing physical pain, he admitted that speaking became an effort.
Kennedy also mentioned receiving Botox treatments for his condition, but acknowledged that finding the right dosage was a challenge. The Stanford University School of Medicine highlights that the amount of Botox required can vary significantly among patients.
During the interview, Kennedy also shared his journey of recovery from drug addiction, which began shortly after his father’s assassination in 1968. He credited a rehabilitation program with miraculously curing his addiction.
While the connection between heroin abuse and basal ganglia impairment is documented, without access to Kennedy’s medical records, including brain images, it is impossible to provide a definitive description of his specific condition.
Implications for Kennedy’s Campaign
A candidate’s voice plays a crucial role in their success on the campaign trail. Vocal tonality has been found to impact the viability of both male and female candidates, with lower-pitched voices generally preferred by voters.
Even beyond pitch, the health and strength of a candidate’s voice can sway public opinion. The famous 1960 television debate between JFK and Richard Nixon serves as a prime example, where Nixon’s sickly appearance and voice after his hospitalization worked against him, while JFK’s confident and strong voice resonated with viewers.
Of those supporting RFK Jr.’s bid, 20% do so because of the Kennedy family name, hoping he will carry on the legacy of his father and uncle. Only 12% of potential Kennedy voters base their support on his policy opinions, according to the CNN poll.
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