Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s voice has been described as raspy and strained, and he has been public about being diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological disorder that produces muscle spasms in the voice box. This results in involuntary spasms of the muscles that open or close the vocal folds, causing a voice that presents with breaks and strained/strangled quality. There is no cure for the condition, but patients can undergo speech therapy or counseling. Kennedy has explained that he had a very strong voice until he was 42 years old, but in 1996 he had an injury that caused spasmodic dysphonia. He has undergone surgery and alternative therapies that he believes are making his voice stronger.