2025 ICD-10-CM code Q01.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Congenital malformations - Congenital malformations of the nervous system Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99) Feed
Frontal encephalocele, a congenital neural tube defect where brain tissue protrudes through a skull opening in the frontal region.
Surgical repair of a frontal encephalocele is medically necessary to reduce the risk of infection, neurological damage, and associated complications, such as hydrocephalus.Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for optimal outcomes.
The clinical responsibility for managing a patient with frontal encephalocele involves a multidisciplinary team, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, geneticists, and pediatricians. The neurosurgeon typically performs surgical repair of the encephalocele. The neurologist manages associated neurological conditions.The geneticist assists in identifying the underlying genetic causes (if any) and provides genetic counseling. The pediatrician manages the overall medical care of the child.
- Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
- Q00-Q99 (Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities) > Q00-Q07 (Congenital malformations of the nervous system)
In simple words: Frontal encephalocele is a birth defect where part of the brain and/or its covering pushes through an opening in the baby's skull near the forehead. This happens because the baby's skull doesn't close completely during pregnancy. The severity can vary; some babies have minor issues, while others experience significant developmental delays and neurological problems.
Frontal encephalocele is a congenital neural tube defect characterized by the protrusion of brain tissue and meninges (membranes covering the brain) through a skull opening in the frontal region of the head.This malformation results from incomplete closure of the neural tube during fetal development. The severity varies widely depending on the size and location of the protrusion, as well as the amount of brain tissue involved.Associated neurological deficits may include visual impairments, developmental delays, and motor deficits.The condition is often diagnosed prenatally via ultrasound. Postnatal diagnosis involves physical examination and neuroimaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scans).
Example 1: A newborn presents with a visible mass on the forehead, diagnosed as a frontal encephalocele via ultrasound. The child undergoes surgical repair to close the defect and minimize neurological complications., A pregnant woman receives a prenatal diagnosis of a frontal encephalocele via ultrasound.The parents receive genetic counseling and discuss management options, including fetal surgery., An infant with a previously repaired frontal encephalocele experiences seizures and developmental delays.Neurological evaluation and intervention (e.g., medication, physical therapy) are implemented.
Detailed prenatal records (if applicable), including ultrasound images and genetic testing results; complete neonatal physical examination findings, including size and location of the encephalocele; results of neuroimaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scans); operative reports (if surgery performed); and records of all neurological examinations and interventions.
** This code is not for use on maternal records.The 7th character for this code is not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Surgery, Genetics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center