RFK Jr: Spasmodic Dysphonia

Otolaryngology

19 Sep 2024 | 1 | by kjh

2572280login-checkRFK Jr: Spasmodic Dysphonia

Robert Kennedy Jr. has been very open about his voice disorder.  That’s because he speaks in front of a lot of audiences and he’s been known to apologize ahead of time.  Still, he has put a lot of effort into lessening the symptoms of the disorder that is called Spasmodic dysphonia. He started having symptoms in his early 40’s. Spasmodic Dysphonia is a neurological disorder due to an abnormal sustained muscle contraction of the vocal cords.  Robert Kennedy Jr. traveled to Kyoto, Japan for a procedure that is not available in the United States.  He also has therapy that he feels has been successful.

Spasmodic dysphonia can vary and it can be better or worse during the day.  In one of his lectures at UC Berkeley, Robert Kennedy Jr. said that his voice would be better after it warmed up.  According to the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, the neurological disorder tends to come on gradually in young adulthood or midlife with the peak onset at about age 30-50 years old.  It mostly affects women though little is currently known about the incidence and prevalence of Spasmodic Dysphonia since it is not a common disorder. It is believed to be caused by impairment in the normal motor control mechanisms within the deep brain structures which help regulate movement.

There are various treatments for Spasmodic Dysphonia and botulinum toxin injections are the clear treatment of choice (see link below).  The effect may last up to three months, thus recurring injections are needed. Voice therapy and voice rest are encouraged after injections.  Surgical treatments in the U.S. have had mixed results.

For more information please visit:

https://rarediseases.org/organizations/national-spasmodic-dysphonia-association/

https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/neurology/parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders/treatments/botulinum-toxin

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SierraL
SierraL
3 days ago

I didn’t know what his voice disorder was called but that is a good explanation. I think his sister has it as well.

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