Ataxia following cerebral infarction

This code signifies the presence of ataxia, a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, that occurs as a residual effect or sequela of a previous cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke). It indicates a long-term neurological deficit directly attributable to the stroke event.

Use this code when documentation clearly states that the patient is experiencing ataxia as a permanent or ongoing consequence of a prior ischemic stroke. This applies to patients presenting for rehabilitation, follow-up care, or management of chronic stroke-related neurological deficits.

• Always sequence this code after the primary code identifying the specific type of cerebral infarction (e.g., I63.x).
• Ensure documentation explicitly links the ataxia to the cerebral infarction; avoid using for ataxia from other causes.
• Do not use for acute ataxia during the initial stroke event; this code is for sequelae.