How do they know when you have tia or stroke?

Symptoms: Symptoms of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) are weakness of one or more extremity, speech difficulty, swallowing problems, facial drooping, altered mental status, coma, death. In TIA symptoms are transient may have weakness, speech problems, facial drooping, paresthesias---recover without any residual symptoms.

Examination: You need a thorough history and physical examination by a neurologist. Diagnostic tests can be done if indicated. Some cases are obvious but others may be elusive.