To understand what #TeamWalter is, you have to understand who I am. My name is Walter Little and I am a 54-year-old (unshunted) hydrocephalus survivor. In addition, we just recently found out that I also have agenesis of the corpus callosum. This means that the nerves that connect the two hemispheres of my brain are either under-developed or totally absent. My CT scan indicates the later. Keep this in mind as you read.
Up until October 12, 2017, I was asymptomatic meaning I did not experience the symptoms normally associated wirh hydrocephalus. That evening I developed an excruciating headache, blurred vision, and vertigo. Within an hour of developing symptoms, I was in the emergency department (ED) at Piedmont-Newnan Hospital and the humble beginnings of #TeamWalter were underway.
It - #TeamWalter - was coined by my long-time friend Holly Holland to make it easier for my family (adopted, biological, and hydro) to find my updates on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WalterLittle). Once I was released (after 26-days), I shared with Holly that, if she didn't mind, I would like to make #TeamWalter into more than a hashtag. This blog and our Team Walter page on Facebook are the start of that. Hopefully, down the road, I can start it as a 501c3 dedicated to advocacy and education.
One thing I forgot to mention as far as my health challenges. The CT scan also showed congenital aqueductal stenosis. This is a blockage of the Aqueduct of Sylvius (which allows cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] to drain from my skull). The neurosurgeon said this is most likely what caused the hydrocephalus.