ICD-10 Code I63.133 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of bilateral carotid arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.133 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of bilateral carotid arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus blocking both carotid arteries and leading to cerebral infarction. Use it when documentation clearly states bilateral carotid artery embolism as the cause.
Clinical signs
Findings usually reflect acute focal neurologic deficits from cerebral ischemia, such as sudden weakness, speech disturbance, vision loss, or altered coordination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I63.133 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to embolism of both carotid arteries, or an embolic stroke with bilateral carotid involvement. You should apply it only when the causal vessel and infarction are both specified.
If the record names carotid embolism without laterality, or describes a different stroke mechanism, check documentation before coding. Confirm whether the event is an acute infarction and not an old stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, carotid stenosis without infarction, or embolism involving only one carotid artery. If the note is nonspecific, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the documented laterality exactly; bilateral carotid involvement is not interchangeable with unilateral carotid embolism.