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Spina Bifida Association of Delaware
PO Box 807
Wilmington, Delaware, 19899
Spina Bifida is a birth defect which involves damage to the spine and nervous system. Spina Bifida means that the vertebrae and the spinal cord did not form properly as the fetus developed in the motherís womb.
There are three forms of Spina Bifida. The mildest form, occulta, is harmless and may never be detected. The second is called meningocele, and can cause weak muscles and poor skin. The third and most serious condition is called myelomeningocele. When this condition occurs the spinal column does not form properly leaving the spine split in two. This usually results in paralysis of the legs and no control of the bowels and bladder.
Spina bifida is often accompanied by hydrocephalus (water on the brain)which can be controlled by a surgical procedure called shunting. Children with SB also have a condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation type II, an abnormality of the two parts of the brain.
Most of the children in our association and the tri-state area go to the "duPont Hospital for Children", located in Wilmington, Delaware for their medical care. The duPont hospital runs a spinal dysfunction clinic on Tuesdays of each week, which consists of Urology, Orthopedics, Rehab, Social Service workers and physical therapy evaluations. Neurosurgery is also available.
One out of 1,000 babies in the U.S. have spina bifida. More than 11,000 children are born with this defect every year. It is the second most common birth defect, the most disabling and one of the least understood.
What Causes Spina Bifida?
Many theories about spina bifida have been advanced but none have been substantiated. Even though the cause of spina bifida still remains a mystery, most researchers believe it is a result of a combination of factors, including heredity and environment.
One of the goals of the Spina Bifida Association of Delaware (SBAD) is to discover the cause. We are a group of parents, relatives, and friends of people who have spina bifida. By acting as a source of information, we can help organizations who are conducting spina bifida research.
The Spina Bifida Association of Delaware is a NON-PROFIT Organization.
All Donations are Tax Deductible
Table of Contents:
What Does SBAD offer?
Folic Acid Facts
Secondary Conditions Associated with SB
Arnold Chiari Malformation
SBAD Executive Board Members
SBAD Meetings,Activities & Events
2000 Annual Conference 2001 SBAA National Conference
SBAD Chapter Photo Album!
Visit "Our Award Page" for the FIRST PLACE AWARD for "Outstanding Website" & Honorable Mention for "Newsletter" at the 1999 Annual SBAA National Conference !!
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