ICD-10 Code G46.0 – Middle cerebral artery syndrome (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G46.0 – Middle cerebral artery syndrome
What it is
G46.0 identifies a neurological syndrome caused by disease of the middle cerebral artery territory. Use it when documentation describes a vascular syndrome affecting brain regions supplied by that artery.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings may include contralateral weakness or sensory loss, aphasia with dominant-hemisphere involvement, and visual field deficits.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents middle cerebral artery syndrome, MCA territory syndrome, or a comparable cerebrovascular syndrome tied to that arterial distribution. It is appropriate when the diagnosis is stated clearly in the record, including follow-up or discharge documentation. Check documentation if the note only describes stroke symptoms without naming the syndrome.
Do not use for
Do not use G46.0 for nonspecific stroke symptoms, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction without documentation of middle cerebral artery syndrome. If the record names a different vascular territory, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact vascular territory in the provider note before assigning G46.0.