ICD-10 Code I63.419 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified middle cerebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.419 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified middle cerebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus blocking an unspecified middle cerebral artery. It indicates brain tissue injury from interrupted blood flow, but the exact side or vessel branch is not documented.
Clinical signs
Common findings include sudden weakness, numbness, facial droop, speech difficulty, or visual changes consistent with a middle cerebral artery stroke. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to embolism involving the middle cerebral artery, but does not specify the left or right side. It is appropriate for confirmed ischemic stroke cases with embolic origin and MCA location. Check documentation if the record only states stroke, CVA, or cerebral infarction without embolic detail.
Do not use for
Do not use it for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or infarction from thrombosis or unspecified occlusion. Do not assign it when the provider identifies a different cerebral artery or a more specific MCA side is documented.
Coding tip
Capture the embolic mechanism and laterality exactly as documented, because a specified side requires a different ICD-10-CM code.