ICD-10 Code I63.013 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of bilateral vertebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.013 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of bilateral vertebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot blocking both vertebral arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. It is used when documentation specifies bilateral vertebral artery thrombosis as the cause.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Posterior circulation stroke findings may include dizziness, ataxia, dysarthria, diplopia, or other focal neurologic deficits, but the record should support the infarction and bilateral vertebral artery thrombosis.
When to use this code
Use I63.013 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of both vertebral arteries. It fits confirmed ischemic stroke cases with imaging or clinical documentation linking the infarct to bilateral vertebral artery clotting. Check documentation if the laterality or cause is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for vertebral artery stenosis, embolic stroke, or unspecified cerebral infarction. If the chart does not clearly state bilateral vertebral artery thrombosis, choose the more accurate documented code.
Coding tip
Code the stroke cause exactly as documented, and verify that both vertebral arteries are specified before assigning I63.013.