ICD-10 Code I63.319 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of unspecified middle cerebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.319 – Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of unspecified middle cerebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot blocking an unspecified middle cerebral artery. Use it when the record states thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery but does not specify right or left.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden weakness, numbness, facial droop, speech disturbance, or visual field loss consistent with middle cerebral artery territory injury. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I63.319 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery and laterality is not stated. It may also fit finalized stroke diagnoses after imaging or specialist assessment confirms an ischemic infarct in that vascular territory. Check documentation for acuity and any more specific artery description.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or embolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. If the record specifies right or left MCA thrombosis, choose the laterality-specific code instead.
Coding tip
Capture the exact artery, mechanism, and laterality from the provider note before assigning the code.