What is cerebral palsy? Symptoms and causes of Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte’s condition explained

RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walt White Jr in the award-winning drama Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.

The actor had – a lifelong neurological condition affecting movement and coordination – which he was diagnosed with at just three years old.

RJ appeared in as a teenager, playing the son of Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn’s characters – Walter and Skyler White.

His character also had cerebral palsy, and RJ drew on his own experience for the part.

He later became an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and founded his own charity, the Mitte Foundation, which aimed to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.

, RJ told young people with cerebral palsy to “never give up”.

“If there is something you want in life, pursue it no matter how hard it may be,” he told Future of Personal Health.

“Keep your dreams alive. Don’t lose sight of who you want to become.”

RJ’s death, at his home in in Brownsville, Texas, was announced by his representative, who told TMZ: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate rights advocate RJ Mitte.”

The cause of his death wasn’t immediately disclosed, though it’s since been reported that the 34-year-old took his own life.

An outpouring of tributes has followed news of his passing, , who wrote: “RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.

“I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr, a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm.

“Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything.

“He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.”

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to a baby’s brain before, during or shortly after birth.

The cause of brain damage is often not clear, though it can be triggered by infections during pregnancy, bleeds or lack of oxygen to the brain, or a serious head injury.

The signs can be apparent during infancy, though they usually become more apparent as a child develops.

Symptoms will vary based on the type and severity of the brain injury.

They can include difficulties with posture, balance, walking, talking and motor skills.

Some children may also have intellectual disabilities.

There’s no cure for the condition, though treatments can help improve function.

In children, signs of cerebral palsy can include:

• Delays in reaching development milestones – for example, not sitting by eight months or not walking by 18 months
• Seeming too stiff or too floppy
• Weak arms or legs
• Fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements
• Random, uncontrolled movements
• Muscle spasms
• Shaking hands (tremors)
• Walking on tiptoes

The condition can also affect speech and eating, causing trouble speaking or problems with swallowing or chewing.

Damage to the brain can contribute to other symptoms, such as:

• Seizures, with some children with cerebral palsy diagnosed with epilepsy
• Trouble hearing
• Trouble with vision and changes in eye movements
• Pain or trouble feeling sensations such as touch
• Bladder and bowel issues, including constipation and urinary incontinence

The advises you speak to your health visitor or a if you have any concerns about your child’s health or development.

Symptoms don’t tend to worsen with age, though they may become more apparent.

But the condition can put strain on the body, causing problems like painful joints later in life.

Living with cerebral palsy can be also be difficult, contributing to mental health problems like for some.

Treatments like physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy can help people with cerebral palsy become more active and independent.