Table 2.

Modified neurological severity score (mNSS).

Motor tests
Raising mice by tail (normal = 0, maximum = 3)
Flexion of forelimb	1
Flexion of hindlimb	1
Head moved >100 to vertical axis within 30 s	1
Placing mice on floor (normal = 0, maximum = 3)
Normal walk	0
Inability to walk straight	1
Circling toward the paretic side	2
Falls down to paretic side	3
Sensory tests (normal = 0, maximum = 2)
Placing test (visual and tactile test)	1
Proprioceptive test (deep sensation, pushing paw against table edge stimulate limb muscles)	1
Beam balance tests (normal = 0, maximum = 6)
Balances with steady posture	0
Grasps side of beam	1
Hugs beam and 1 limb falls down from beam	2
Hugs beam and 2 limb falls down from beam, or spins on beam (>60 s)	3
Attempts to balance on beam but falls off (>40 s)	4
Attempts to balance on beam but falls off (>20 s)	5
Falls off, no attempts to balance on beam (<20 s)	6
Reflex absence and abnormal movements (normal = 0, maximum = 4)
Pinna reflex (head shaken when auditory meatus is touched)	1
Corneal reflex (eye blink when cornea is lightly touched with cotton)	1
Startle reflex (motor response to a brief noise from clapping hands)	1
Seizures, myoclonus, myodystony	1
Maximum points	18
One point is given for an absent tested or for the animal’s inability to perform a task
1–6 mild injury, 7–12 moderate, 13–18 severe injury