ICD-10 Code I63.2 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of precerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.2 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of precerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by blocked or narrowed precerebral arteries, such as the carotid or vertebral arteries, when the exact vessel is not specified. Use it when documentation supports cerebral infarction but does not name the precise artery.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, vision loss, or imbalance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging, since the code depends on evidence of cerebral infarction with an arterial occlusion or stenosis source.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states cerebral infarction due to occlusion or stenosis of a precerebral artery, but the artery is not identified. It also fits when the provider documents an ischemic stroke linked to a precerebral vessel lesion without further specificity. Check documentation if the cause is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction from a clearly named artery that has a more specific code. Do not assign it when the chart does not support infarction or does not mention precerebral artery disease.
Coding tip
Query the provider for the specific precerebral artery whenever the record only says “stroke” or “occlusion” without a documented vessel.