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NEWS: site last updated 08.23.2002 - 1:30 p.m.
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SPINA BIFIDA is the #1 disabler of newborns in the United States occurring in approximately one of every one thousand newborns. Spina Bifida is a birth defect which occurs within the first month of pregnancy. Its cause is still unknown. A child born with Spina Bifida has one or more bones of the back (vertebrae) open, allowing the spinal cord to form a sac along the child's back. Nerves controlling the legs, skin and internal organs are damaged. This causes paralysis, lack of sensation, bowel and bladder dysfunction. Spina Bifida is almost always accompanied by a condition known as hydrocephalus in which the cerebrospinal fluid fails to circulate properly and may build up in the brain. Insertion of a shunt helps control the fluid flow to reduce pressure and prevent brain damage. Due to rapidly growing advances in medical treatment, most children born with Spina Bifida have the potential to live active, productive lives. For more information, please contact the Spina Bifida Association of Mississippi through the addresses provided, or through the email and message board options.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Spina Bifida Association of Mississippi (SBA of Miss.) is a new resource available for people in Mississippi born with Spina Bifida and those who care for them. Our goal is to help ensure continued opportunities and advances for individuals with Spina Bifida, especially in the areas of medical treatment, awareness, education, and social acceptance.
Our mission is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and enhance the lives of those living with Spina Bifida in Mississippi. Prevention of this most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect is an important aspect of out mission. One of our main goals is to decrease the occurrence of Spina Bifida by educating women about the importance of taking 400 mcg. of folic acid daily prior to conception and during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. Because families who have one child with a neural tube defect (NTD) have a much greater chance of having another NTD birth, we emphasize the need to take folic acid daily.
Find out more about Folic Acid
Individuals with Spina Bifida, their parents, and concerned health care professionals are forming the SBA of Miss. If you are interested in becoming involved, or would like to be included on our mailing list please use the email links provided.