In simple words: This code represents a stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain, other than the usual types of blockage.

Other cerebral infarction. Includes: occlusion and stenosis of cerebral and precerebral arteries, resulting in cerebral infarction.Use additional code, if applicable, to identify status post administration of tPA (rtPA) in a different facility within the last 24 hours prior to admission to current facility (Z92.82). Use additional code, if known, to indicate National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (R29.7-).

Example 1: A patient presents with sudden onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Imaging reveals a lacunar infarction in the left internal capsule. This would be coded as I63.8 as lacunar infarctions fall under "other" cerebral infarctions., A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation experiences a sudden loss of consciousness. Imaging reveals multiple small infarcts in different vascular territories, consistent with embolic shower. Since I63.4 specifies embolism of cerebral arteries, and this scenario involves multiple unspecified small infarcts, it is appropriate to code I63.8., A patient with known Moyamoya disease suffers a cerebral infarction. This is considered an "other" cerebral infarction (I63.8), as Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by blocked arteries at the base of the brain.

Documentation should include neurological examination findings, imaging results (CT, MRI), details of symptom onset, and any relevant medical history (e.g., atrial fibrillation, vasculitis). If a specific artery is identified as the source of the infarct, more specific codes under I63 may be more appropriate.

** For accurate coding of cerebral infarction, it is important to distinguish "other cerebral infarction" (I63.8) from more specific infarction subtypes listed under I63. If the documentation clearly identifies the affected artery and the mechanism (thrombosis or embolism), a more precise code like I63.0, I63.1, I63.3, or I63.4 might be applicable. Consider consulting iFrameAI for further details and up-to-date information.