You’ve probably heard the rumors or seen the clips. Maybe you’ve even wondered yourself: is RFK Jr. sick? It’s a question that’s been swirling around the internet for years, amplified by his raspy, sometimes strained-sounding voice. When someone is constantly in the public eye—especially now that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2026—people tend to scrutinize every cough or tremor.
The truth is a mix of old medical history, a very specific neurological condition, and a few "stranger than fiction" stories that sound like they belong in a medical drama.
That Voice: It's Spasmodic Dysphonia
The most obvious reason people ask if RFK Jr. is sick is his voice. It sounds thin, shaky, and often like he’s struggling to get the words out. Honestly, it’s not a secret. He has a condition called spasmodic dysphonia.
This isn't a cold. It's not laryngitis. It’s actually a rare neurological disorder. Basically, the brain sends the wrong signals to the vocal cords, causing them to spasm or tighten involuntarily. Think of it like a "charley horse" but in your throat.
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- When did it start? He began noticing it in his 40s.
- What does it feel like? He’s described it as exhausting. Even though he’s a prolific public speaker, the physical act of talking takes way more effort for him than the average person.
- Is there a cure? Not really. He’s tried Botox injections (which temporarily paralyze the overactive muscles) and even traveled to Kyoto, Japan, for a "novel" surgery a couple of years back to try and stabilize the vocal folds.
The "Brain Worm" Saga
Then there’s the story that nearly broke the internet: the brain parasite. It sounds wild because it is. During a 2012 deposition that came to light during his political run, Kennedy mentioned that a doctor told him a dark spot on his brain scan was actually a worm that "ate a portion" of his brain and then died.
Medical experts, like those interviewed by the New York Times and PBS, clarified that parasites don’t literally "eat" brain tissue like a snack. Instead, they cause inflammation or cysts. Specifically, this was likely neurocysticercosis—larvae from a pork tapeworm.
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He probably picked it up while traveling in South Asia. The good news? It’s a "past tense" problem. The worm died, the symptoms (which included brain fog and memory loss at the time) cleared up, and it’s not an active illness today.
Mercury Poisoning and Heart Flutters
If you're still wondering "is RFK Jr. sick" right now, you have to look at his diet and past hospitalizations.
- Mercury: Around the same time as the brain worm, Kennedy was diagnosed with severe mercury poisoning. He’s famously a fan of fish—specifically tuna and swordfish—which are high in mercury. He reportedly had levels ten times higher than the EPA safety limit. That can cause neurological "glitches," but he says he’s since recovered.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Kennedy has dealt with AFib, an irregular heartbeat, for decades. He’s been hospitalized for it before, including a notable incident in 2001. It’s a condition that needs management but doesn’t necessarily stop someone from being high-functioning.
So, Is He Sick Today?
As of early 2026, RFK Jr. appears to be quite active in his role at HHS. He’s been pushing the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda, focusing on things like seed oils and food additives.
While he still has the raspy voice (spasmodic dysphonia is lifelong), he doesn't seem to be suffering from an acute illness. In recent interviews, he’s even joked about his "biohacking" routines—taking a laundry list of supplements like Vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc.
Actionable Insights for You
If you or someone you know struggles with similar symptoms, here’s the takeaway:
- For Voice Issues: If your voice stays hoarse for more than three weeks, don't just assume it's "age." See an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) to rule out things like muscle tension or neurological spasms.
- For "Brain Fog": If you're experiencing memory issues, check your diet. Mercury poisoning is rare but real for heavy fish eaters. A simple blood test can check your heavy metal levels.
- For AFib: If your heart feels like a "flopping fish" in your chest, get an EKG. AFib is highly treatable today with modern medicine or minor procedures.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s medical history is long and honestly a bit bizarre, but it serves as a reminder that "looking or sounding sick" is often just a managed chronic condition rather than an active crisis.