ICD-10 Code I63.20 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified precerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.20 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified precerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by reduced blood flow from an unspecified blockage or narrowing in an unspecified precerebral artery. Use it when the infarct is confirmed, but the exact vessel and lesion type are not documented.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, or visual loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging when available.
When to use this code
Use I63.20 when the provider documents cerebral infarction and specifies occlusion or stenosis of a precerebral artery, but does not name the artery or whether the lesion is occlusion versus stenosis. It also fits when records confirm an acute ischemic stroke with incomplete vascular detail. If the chart identifies a specific artery, code that more specific diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction with a documented specific precerebral artery. Check documentation if the cause is stated only as embolism or if the stroke type is not confirmed.
Coding tip
Query for the exact artery and lesion type before assigning this unspecified code.