ICD-10 Code I63.10 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified precerebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.10 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified precerebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus blocking a precerebral artery, but the specific artery is not documented. Use it when the chart confirms cerebral infarction from embolism without naming the vessel.
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 provider assessment supporting cerebral infarction.
When to use this code
Use I63.10 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to embolism and does not specify which precerebral artery is involved. It also fits when the stroke is clearly embolic, but the source vessel remains unspecified in the record. Check documentation if laterality or vessel detail appears elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction from thrombosis or occlusion without embolism. Do not assign it if the affected precerebral artery is named more specifically.
Coding tip
Code the documented vessel when available; use I63.10 only when embolic stroke is confirmed but the precerebral artery is unspecified.