ICD-10 Code I63.0 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of precerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.0 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of precerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot in a precerebral artery, such as the carotid or vertebral arteries. Use it when documentation states cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of these vessels.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech disturbance, facial droop, vision loss, or imbalance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging or specialist confirmation when available.
When to use this code
Assign I63.0 when the provider documents cerebral infarction from thrombosis of a precerebral artery. It may appear in acute stroke admissions, discharge summaries, or problem lists after diagnostic workup. Use the documented vessel and mechanism, not a general stroke code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction from embolism or unspecified occlusion. Check documentation if the artery involved or cause is not clearly stated.
Coding tip
Code the documented cause and vessel precisely; if the record only says “stroke,” query for the specific ischemic mechanism.