You’ve probably heard it. That distinct, gravelly, and sometimes strained sound when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps up to a microphone. It’s hard to ignore. For years, people have been hitting Google with the same curious question: why does RFK Jr shake?
Honestly, the internet is full of wild theories. Some folks point to his past struggles with addiction, others mention the infamous "brain worm" incident from 2010, and some just assume it’s old age. But the truth is actually a very specific medical diagnosis that he's lived with for decades. It isn't just "shaking" in the way we usually think about it—it’s a rare neurological battle happening inside his throat.
The Diagnosis: Spasmodic Dysphonia Explained
Basically, RFK Jr. has a condition called spasmodic dysphonia.
It’s a mouthful, right? In the medical world, it's also known as laryngeal dystonia. It's a focal neurological disorder, which means it only affects one part of the body—in this case, the larynx (your voice box).
Here is what’s actually happening: the brain sends haywire signals to the muscles that control the vocal cords. Instead of those muscles moving smoothly so you can talk, they start having involuntary spasms. Imagine trying to drive a car while someone else keeps tapping the brakes or jerking the steering wheel. That’s what his vocal cords are doing.
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There are a few different types, but Kennedy has the most common version: adductor spasmodic dysphonia. In this version, the vocal cords "slam" shut too tightly. This creates that strained, strangled, or shaky quality you hear. Sometimes his voice breaks entirely or sounds like he’s running out of air.
He didn't always sound like this.
Kennedy often mentions that he had a "very, very strong voice" until he was about 42 years old. The symptoms started creeping in around 1996. It wasn't a sudden "boom, your voice is gone" moment. It was a slow, frustrating decline.
Wait, Is It Just His Voice Or Does He Have Tremors?
When people ask "why does RFK Jr shake," they aren't always just talking about the voice. They might be looking at his hands or his head.
It’s easy to get confused. Spasmodic dysphonia is a type of dystonia, which is a movement disorder. While the dysphonia stays in the throat, it’s not uncommon for people with one type of dystonia to have others, or to have a co-occurring essential tremor.
Kennedy has also mentioned having mercury poisoning in the past, which can cause physical tremors and cognitive "fogginess." And yes, there was that 2010 health scare where doctors found a dead parasite—a tapeworm—in his brain. While the "brain worm" makes for a crazy headline, most neurologists agree that the voice issue (the spasmodic dysphonia) is a separate neurological beast that predates the parasite by over a decade.
What Causes It? (And The Vaccine Controversy)
Here is where things get a bit messy.
If you ask a doctor at the Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins, they’ll tell you the exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. They think it’s a glitch in the basal ganglia, the part of the brain that coordinates muscle movement. It might be genetic. It might be triggered by a bad respiratory infection or extreme stress.
Kennedy has his own theory.
He has publicly suggested that his condition was a side effect of a flu vaccine he received in the 1990s. It’s important to be clear here: there is currently no peer-reviewed scientific evidence linking the flu shot (or any vaccine) to the development of spasmodic dysphonia. Most medical experts view this as a coincidence in timing rather than a cause-and-effect relationship.
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The Search for a Cure (Or Just Some Relief)
There is no "fix" for this. You can't just take a pill and have it go away.
Kennedy has tried almost everything under the sun to manage it. For years, the "gold standard" treatment for people with his condition has been Botox injections.
Yes, the same stuff people put in their foreheads to hide wrinkles.
Doctors inject the botulinum toxin directly into the vocal cord muscles. This basically "weakens" them so they can’t spasm as hard. It makes the voice sound breathier, but it stops the "strangled" sensation. The catch? It only lasts about three to four months. Then you have to go back and get needles in your throat all over again.
Kennedy has also gone the surgical route. In 2023, he traveled to Japan for a procedure called a Type II Thyroplasty. This involves splitting the thyroid cartilage and inserting tiny titanium bridges to keep the vocal cords from pressing too tightly together. He says it helped, though his voice still retains that signature rasp.
Why It Matters Now
Whether you like his politics or not, RFK Jr.'s voice is a constant topic of conversation because of his public profile. It's a reminder of how much we take the simple act of speaking for granted.
Kennedy himself has admitted he hates the sound of his own voice. He’s told interviewers he can’t stand to listen to his own broadcasts. But he also notes something interesting: because the injury is neurological, using the voice actually makes it "stronger" in a way, even if it doesn't sound "better."
Actionable Takeaways If You’re Concerned About A Shake
If you or someone you know is experiencing a shaky voice or unexplained tremors, don't jump to conclusions based on what you see on TV.
- See a specialist: You don't just want a regular doctor. You want an otolaryngologist (ENT) who specializes in voice disorders or a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders.
- Check for "Task-Specific" symptoms: Spasmodic dysphonia often disappears when people sing or laugh. If the "shake" only happens when you speak, it’s a big clue for doctors.
- Look into Dystonia Support: Conditions like this are rare and can be incredibly isolating. Groups like Dysphonia International provide resources for people who feel like they've lost their "identity" along with their voice.
The next time you see RFK Jr. on screen and wonder why he's shaking, remember it’s likely the result of a complex neurological "short circuit" he's been managing for nearly thirty years.
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To dig deeper into how neurological conditions are diagnosed, you can look into the latest research on basal ganglia dysfunction or explore the different types of focal dystonia recognized by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.