Cerebral infrc due to unsp occls or stenosis of l verteb art

This code signifies brain tissue death resulting from a blockage or narrowing within the left vertebral artery, where the specific nature of the occlusion or stenosis is not documented. This type of infarction typically affects the posterior circulation of the brain, potentially leading to symptoms such as vertigo, ataxia, or visual disturbances.

Assign this code when medical record documentation confirms a cerebral infarction attributed to an obstruction or narrowing of the left vertebral artery, and the physician has not specified whether the blockage is an embolism, thrombosis, or other specific type. This code is appropriate when imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT) confirm infarction and vascular studies (e.g., MRA, CTA, ultrasound) indicate left vertebral artery involvement without further specificity regarding the occlusion type.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "left vertebral artery" and "unspecified occlusion or stenosis."
• Do not use if the type of occlusion (e.g., embolic, thrombotic) is specified; instead, use a more specific I63.2- subcategory.
• Sequence this code after any acute stroke codes (e.g., R29.7-, R29.8-) if applicable, or as the primary diagnosis if the infarction is the reason for the encounter.