At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care. Because a transient ischemic attack is short-lived, your doctor may diagnose a TIA based just on the medical history of the event rather than on anything found during a general physical and neurological examination.o help determine the cause of your TIA and to assess your risk of stroke, your doctor may rely on the following: Physical examination and tests. Your doctor may check for risk factors of stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and high levels of the amino acid homocysteine.