Table 1.
Modified neurological severity score (mNSS).
| Tests | Points |
|---|---|
| Raising rat by tail (normal = 0; maximum = 3) | |
| Flexion of forelimb | 1 |
| Flexion of hindlimb | 1 |
| Head moved > 10 to vertical axis within 30 s | 1 |
| Walking rat 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 |
| Beam balance test (normal = 0; maximum = 6) | |
| Balances with steady posture (>60 s) | 0 |
| Grasps side of the beam | 1 |
| Hugs beam and 1 limb falls down from beam | 2 |
| Hugs beam and 2 limbs 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 attempt to balance or hang on the beam (<20 s) | 6 |
| Sensory tests (normal = 0; maximum = 2) | |
| Placing test (visual and tactile test, try 5 times and have not moved more than 3 times) | 1 |
| Proprioceptive test (deep sensation, pushing the paw against the table edge to stimulate limb muscles, try 5 times and have not moved more than 3 times) | 1 |
| Maximum Points 14 | 14 |