TABLE 1.
Components of the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and scoring values.
| Motor tests | ||
| 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 | |
| Placing rat on floor | Normal walk 0 Inability to walk straight 1 Circling toward paretic side 2 Falls down to paretic side 3 | Normal = 0; maximum = 3 |
| Sensory tests | Normal = 0; maximum = 2 | |
| Placing test (visual and tactile test) | 1 | |
| Proprioceptive test (deep sensation, pushing paw against table edge to stimulate limb muscles) | 1 | |
| Beam balance tests | Balances with steady posture 0 Grasps side of beam 1 Hugs beam and 1 limb falls down from beam 2 Hugs beam and 2 limbs fall 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 to beam (<20 s) 6 | Normal = 0; maximum = 6 |
| Reflex absence and abnormal movements | Normal = 0; maximum = 4 | |
| Pinna reflex | 1 | |
| Corneal reflex | 1 | |
| Startle reflex | 1 | |
| Seizures, myoclonus, myodystony | 1 |