Cerebral infarction due to embolism of precerebral artery

This code represents a type of ischemic stroke caused by an embolus originating from an extracranial artery (e.g., carotid, vertebral) that travels to and occludes an intracranial cerebral artery. The resulting lack of blood flow leads to tissue death in a specific area of the brain. This condition is distinct from thrombotic strokes, where a clot forms directly within an intracranial artery.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a cerebral infarction due to an embolism originating from a precerebral artery other than the carotid or vertebral arteries. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (CT, MRI) confirming infarction and evidence of an embolic source, often from cardiac or other arterial sources.

• Distinguish carefully between embolic and thrombotic cerebral infarctions; the documentation must specify "embolism."
• Ensure the embolus originates from a precerebral artery, not an intracranial artery, and is not specified as carotid or vertebral.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for the underlying cause of the embolism if known.