ICD-10 Code I63.019 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of unspecified vertebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.019 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of unspecified vertebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot in a vertebral artery, with the exact side not specified. It refers to brain tissue injury from reduced blood flow in the posterior circulation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings in vertebrobasilar stroke include dizziness, gait imbalance, vertigo, visual disturbance, dysarthria, or limb weakness.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of a vertebral artery and does not specify left or right side. It may also apply when imaging or the note confirms vertebral artery thrombosis with resulting infarction, but laterality is absent. Check documentation if the record is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for vertebral artery stenosis without infarction, embolic stroke, or infarction from another cerebrovascular vessel. If the side is documented, choose the laterality-specific code instead.
Coding tip
Verify both the infarction and the thrombosis source, then code laterality only if the record clearly states it.