ICD-10 Code I63.523 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of bilateral anterior cerebral arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.523 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of bilateral anterior cerebral arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by reduced blood flow in both anterior cerebral arteries, with the exact blockage or narrowing not specified. Use it when documentation clearly states bilateral anterior cerebral artery involvement.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings in anterior cerebral artery infarction may include leg-predominant weakness, abulia, gait difficulty, or behavioral changes, but you should only code what the record supports.
When to use this code
Use I63.523 when the provider documents cerebral infarction linked to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of both anterior cerebral arteries. It is appropriate for confirmed ischemic stroke cases where imaging or assessment localizes the event to this vascular territory. Check documentation if laterality or mechanism is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or infarction of a different arterial territory. If the record does not specify bilateral anterior cerebral arteries, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that the note states both anterior cerebral arteries and an infarction, not just stroke symptoms or nonspecific cerebrovascular disease.