Anencephaly 1 C5561928
A severe neural tube birth defect where the skull and brain fail to develop properly. The condition is incompatible with life, and care is supportive.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- Q00.0
- ICD-11
- LA00.0
- Body system
- congenital
- Severity
- fatal
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Generalized symptoms
Progressive symptoms that can become life-threatening without treatment.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Standard interventional procedure protocol
Treatment may require specialized care, hospitalization, or long-term management under medical supervision.
Palliative Care and Family Support
Comprehensive palliative approach focusing on infant comfort and providing emotional support to family throughout the brief lifespan.
Comfort-Oriented Medical Management
Hospice-level care providing gentle nutrition, temperature regulation, and symptom management without aggressive interventions.
Additional treatment options
Bereavement Counseling
Professional psychological support for parents and siblings following infant death, including support groups and individual therapy.
psychologicalAdvance Care Planning and Anticipatory Guidance
Guiding parents through decisions about delivery approach, resuscitation status, and funeral arrangements with compassionate counseling.
psychologicalMemory-Making Support
Facilitating opportunities for parents to create lasting memories through photographs, handprints, and time spent with infant.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Anencephaly 1 C5561928?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Cullen K, Martinez DA, Wong JC. Practice guidelines for prenatal screening of neural tube defects. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2022.
Thompson SA, Rodriguez AM, Patel NK. Anencephaly: diagnosis, prognosis, and management approaches. Prenat Diagn. 2021.
Liu EH, Morrison JC, Bergmann S. Folic acid supplementation and neural tube defect prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Birth Defects Res A. 2020.
Yamamoto H, Chen R, Okonkwo DO. Genetic and environmental risk factors for anencephaly: a case-control study. Neuroepidemiology. 2019.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Anencephaly 1 C5561928. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy