How does a doctor know that you have had a mini brain stroke?

A mini stroke is diagnosed by medical history, physical examination and medical imaging tests, according to Mayo Clinic. A mini stroke is also known as a transient ischemic attack, reports the National Stroke Association.

Mini stroke symptoms include weakness, difficulty speaking and seeing, and dizziness. The symptoms resemble the symptoms of a true stroke; however, they usually disappear within the hour, according to the National Stroke Association. Almost 50 percent of all strokes occur within a week of a mini stroke. Mini strokes are caused by low blood flow to the brain, a blood clot in the brain or narrowing of a brain blood vessel.