Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unsp vertebral artery

This diagnosis code signifies a cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke) caused by an embolic event originating from an unspecified vertebral artery. It indicates brain tissue death due to a blockage of blood flow, where the specific vertebral artery (e.g., right or left) is not documented.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a cerebral infarction due to an embolism, and the physician's notes specify the vertebral artery as the source but do not identify which side (right or left). This code is appropriate when laterality of the vertebral artery is unknown or not recorded.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the cerebral infarction to an embolism of the vertebral artery.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (right or left vertebral artery) is specified; instead, use the more specific codes.
• Always review the entire medical record for more precise anatomical detail before assigning this unspecified code.