ICD-10 Code I63.50 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified cerebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.50 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified cerebral artery
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by blockage or narrowing of a cerebral artery, but the specific artery is not named. Use it when the record confirms cerebral infarction and only an unspecified cerebral artery is documented.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech disturbance, facial droop, or visual loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging or physician assessment supporting cerebral infarction.
When to use this code
Use I63.50 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to occlusion or stenosis of an unspecified cerebral artery and does not identify a more specific vessel. It also fits when the chart confirms ischemic stroke but the artery site remains unspecified. Check documentation for laterality or more detailed vessel information before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction tied to a clearly named artery. If the record gives a more specific cerebral artery, code that instead.
Coding tip
Always look for the exact artery named in the provider note or imaging report before defaulting to the unspecified code.