Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unsp precerb artery

This code signifies a stroke caused by a blockage (embolism) in one of the arteries leading to the brain, where the specific artery involved is not documented. It indicates an ischemic stroke originating from an embolic event in a precerebral vessel, but the precise location of the embolus within those vessels is unknown.

Use this code when documentation confirms an acute cerebral infarction due to an embolism, and the physician explicitly states or implies that the specific precerebral artery (e.g., carotid, vertebral) responsible for the embolism is undetermined. This is appropriate when the etiology is clearly embolic, but further anatomical detail of the source artery is lacking.

• Do not use this code if the specific precerebral artery (e.g., carotid, vertebral) is identified; instead, use a more specific code from the I63.1- subcategory.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "embolism" as the cause of the infarction and "unspecified precerebral artery" or similar phrasing indicating lack of specificity.
• This code is for acute cerebral infarction; do not use for sequelae of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).