ICD-10 Code I63.40 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified cerebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.40 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified cerebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus blocking a cerebral artery, but the specific artery is not documented. Use it when the record clearly states embolic cerebral infarction without naming the vessel.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, or vision loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging or neurology assessment when available.
When to use this code
Use I63.40 when the provider documents cerebral infarction from embolism and does not specify the affected cerebral artery. It is appropriate for confirmed ischemic stroke cases where the embolic source is described, but the artery remains unspecified. Check documentation if the record mentions thrombosis, hemorrhage, or a more specific artery.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction due to thrombosis. If a specific cerebral artery is documented, choose the more precise infarction code.
Coding tip
Query the provider when the note says embolic stroke but omits the artery, because specificity can change the final ICD-10-CM code.