ICD-10 Code I63.032 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left carotid artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.032 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left carotid artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot blocking the left carotid artery, reducing blood flow to the brain. Use it when the record clearly links the cerebral infarction to left carotid thrombosis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, or vision loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, imaging, and provider assessment for the documented stroke location and cause.
When to use this code
Use I63.032 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of the left carotid artery. It is appropriate for confirmed ischemic stroke cases where the causal vessel and laterality are specified. If the cause or side is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction without documented left carotid thrombosis. If the chart does not support the cause, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that both the infarction and the left carotid thrombosis are documented before assigning this code.