Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of vertebral arteries
ICD-10 I63.21 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of vertebral arteries.
Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the vertebral arteries occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed due to narrowing or blockage of the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the posterior circulation of the brain. Clinically, patients may present with sudden onset of neurological deficits, including weakness, sensory loss, dizziness, or visual disturbances, depending on the area of the brain affected. The vertebral arteries are critical for supplying blood to the brainstem and cerebellum, and occlusion can lead to significant morbidity. Disease progression can vary; some patients may experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) before a full-blown infarction occurs. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the infarct and angiography to assess the blood vessels. Risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and diabetes, which contribute to vascular disease and increase the likelihood of occlusion or stenosis.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
I63.21 covers cerebral infarctions specifically due to occlusion or stenosis of the vertebral arteries. This includes cases where the exact cause of occlusion is not specified, but the infarction is confirmed through imaging.
I63.21 should be used when there is a confirmed cerebral infarction attributed to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the vertebral arteries, distinguishing it from codes related to other types of strokes or specific arterial occlusions.
Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the infarction, and any relevant history of vascular disease or risk factors that may have contributed to the occlusion.
