ICD-10 Code I63.423 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of bilateral anterior cerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.423 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of bilateral anterior cerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus blocking both anterior cerebral arteries. It means brain tissue in the ACA territory has lost blood flow because a clot traveled from elsewhere and lodged in both vessels.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings in anterior cerebral artery infarction include leg-predominant weakness, impaired gait, abulia, and possible urinary incontinence when frontal lobe areas are affected.
When to use this code
Use I63.423 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to embolism involving both anterior cerebral arteries. The record should support an acute ischemic stroke, not a history of stroke or a nonspecific cerebrovascular event. If laterality or mechanism is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or infarction from thrombosis, stenosis, or unspecified occlusion. Check documentation if the embolic source or bilateral ACA involvement is not stated.
Coding tip
Confirm both the embolic cause and the bilateral anterior cerebral artery location in the provider note before assigning this code.