ICD-10 Code I63.513 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of bilateral middle cerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.513 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of bilateral middle cerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by reduced blood flow in both middle cerebral arteries, when the occlusion or stenosis is not further specified. It reflects infarction in the brain territory supplied by those vessels.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common stroke findings may include sudden weakness, speech disturbance, facial droop, sensory loss, or visual changes, depending on the affected brain regions.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents cerebral infarction from unspecified occlusion or stenosis involving both middle cerebral arteries. It is appropriate when imaging or provider documentation supports bilateral MCA involvement, but the exact cause is not more specific.
Do not code it for transient ischemic attack, hemorrhagic stroke, or infarction in a different arterial territory. If laterality, vessel detail, or cause is more specific, code to the documented specificity.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cerebral infarction due to embolism, thrombosis, or other named vessel occlusion unless the record specifically states bilateral MCA unspecified occlusion or stenosis. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm bilateral middle cerebral artery involvement in the provider note or imaging report before assigning I63.513.