ICD-10 Code I63.49 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of other cerebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.49 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of other cerebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus blocking a cerebral artery other than the major named vessels. Use it when the record documents cerebral infarction from embolism and specifies another cerebral artery.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech disturbance, facial droop, or visual loss. Imaging usually supports an acute cerebral infarct; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to embolism involving an other specified cerebral artery and no more specific artery code applies. It may appear in acute stroke encounters or after imaging confirms an embolic infarct. Check documentation for laterality, artery name, and whether the event is acute or sequela.
Do not use for
Do not use it for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or infarction from thrombosis without embolism. If the artery involved is specifically named elsewhere in ICD-10-CM, choose that more precise code.
Coding tip
Look for the exact artery named in the note; if it is not one of the specifically indexed vessels, I63.49 may be the correct choice.