ICD-10 Code I63.233 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.233 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by reduced blood flow from narrowing or blockage in both carotid arteries, with the exact type of occlusion or stenosis not specified. Use it when the infarction is documented as due to bilateral carotid disease.
Clinical signs
Findings are those of cerebral infarction, such as sudden focal neurologic deficits, speech difficulty, facial droop, or unilateral weakness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging or vascular studies when available.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states cerebral infarction is due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of both carotid arteries. The documentation should link the stroke to bilateral carotid disease, even if laterality details are not further specified. Code the acute infarction, not the chronic carotid narrowing alone.
Do not use for
Do not use it for carotid stenosis without infarction, or when the stroke is attributed to a different vascular source. If the chart specifies a different carotid pattern or a non-ischemic stroke, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider explicitly connects the infarction to bilateral carotid occlusion or stenosis before assigning I63.233.