ICD-10 Code I63.5 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of cerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.5 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of cerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by blockage or narrowing in a cerebral artery, when the specific artery is not documented. Use it for an infarction in the brain due to arterial occlusion or stenosis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, or vision loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging that supports cerebral infarction.
When to use this code
Use I63.5 when the record states cerebral infarction from unspecified occlusion or stenosis of cerebral arteries and does not name a more specific vessel. It also fits when the provider documents an ischemic stroke with an unspecified cerebral arterial cause. Check documentation if the cause is described differently.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction with a documented, more specific artery code. If the chart does not support infarction or arterial occlusion, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign the most specific stroke code available; if the artery is named, code that instead of I63.5.