ICD-10 Code I63.239 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified carotid artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.239 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified carotid artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by reduced blood flow from an unspecified carotid artery blockage or narrowing. Use it when the infarction is documented, but the affected carotid side is not specified.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, or facial droop. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for imaging or provider confirmation of carotid involvement.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to occlusion or stenosis of a carotid artery, but does not identify the right or left side. It is appropriate when the record supports an ischemic stroke linked to carotid disease. If the documentation is unclear, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use it for transient ischemic attack, carotid artery disease without infarction, or strokes from other vascular territories. If the record specifies a different carotid side or another cause, code that documented condition instead.
Coding tip
Always verify laterality and the documented stroke mechanism, because a more specific code may apply.