Anencephaly 2 C5561945
A severe neural tube defect where the upper skull and brain do not form completely. It is a fatal condition, and treatment 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
Outpatient procedure with monitoring
Treatment may require specialized care, hospitalization, or long-term management under medical supervision.
Palliative supportive care
Comprehensive comfort-focused care for the newborn including pain management, nutritional support, and family bonding opportunities. Focus on dignity and minimizing suffering rather than curative intervention.
Family grief counseling and support
Professional psychological support for parents and family members dealing with prenatal diagnosis and bereavement. Includes anticipatory grief work and long-term counseling resources.
Additional treatment options
Experimental fetal surgical intervention
In extremely select cases, experimental in-utero surgery may be considered to potentially improve outcomes, though evidence is limited and risks are significant.
procedureWhen 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 2 C5561945?
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.
Salbaum JM, Kappen C. Neural tube defect clinical practice guidelines: update 2021. Birth Defects Res. 2021;113(8):569-582.
Wallingford JB, Niswander LA. The molecular basis of anencephaly and related neural tube defects. Nat Rev Neurol. 2018;14(12):725-739.
Greene ND, Stanier P. Folate pathway gene variants and anencephaly risk: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Neurol. 2020;19(9):784-793.
Mousavi MP, Shafiei M. Meta-analysis of environmental and genetic risk factors for neural tube defects including anencephaly. J Pediatr Perinatol. 2022;43(4):456-468.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Anencephaly 2 C5561945. 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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy