ICD-10 Code I63.02 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of basilar artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.02 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of basilar artery
What it is
I63.02 identifies an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot blocking the basilar artery. This code reflects infarction in the brain tissue supplied by that vessel.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Basilar artery infarction may present with sudden neurologic deficits, including weakness, speech changes, dizziness, double vision, or impaired consciousness.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cerebral infarction specifically due to thrombosis of the basilar artery. It applies to confirmed ischemic stroke involving that artery, not just suspected posterior circulation symptoms.
If the record identifies another cause, such as embolism or unspecified occlusion, choose the documented diagnosis instead. Check documentation when the vessel or stroke mechanism is not clearly stated.
Do not use for
Do not use I63.02 for transient ischemic attack, hemorrhagic stroke, or cerebral infarction from embolism or unspecified arterial occlusion. Check documentation if the etiology is unclear.
Coding tip
Code the stroke mechanism exactly as documented; basilar artery thrombosis is not interchangeable with other posterior circulation infarcts.