Table 1 Detailed description of items forming the modified neurological severity score (mNSS)

Motor tests

 Raising rat by tail (normal = 0, maximum = 3)

(3)

 Flexion of forelimb

1

 Flexion of hindlimb

1

 Head moved > 10 degree limb vertical axis within 30 s

1

Placing rat on floor (normal = 0, maximum = 3)

(3)

 Normal walk

0

 Inability to walk straight

1

 Circling toward the paretic side

2

 Falling down to paretic side

3

Sensory tests (normal = 0, maximum = 2)

(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 (normal = 0, maximum = 6)

(6)

 Balance with steady posture

0

 Grasps side of beam

1

 Huging beam and 1 limb falling down from beam

2

 Huging beam and 2 limbs falling down from beam, or spins on beam (> 60 s)

3

 Attempting to balance on beam but falling of (> 40 s)

4

 Attempting to balance on beam but falling of (> 20 s)

5

 Falling of; no attempt to balance or hang on the beam (< 20 s)

6

Reflex absence and abnormal movements (normal = 0, maximum = 4)

(4)

 Pinna reflex (head shaken when auditory meatus is touched)

1

 Corneal reflex (eyes blink when cornea is lightly touched with cotton)

1

 Startle reflex (motor response to brief noise from clapping hands)

1

 Seizures, myoclonus, myodystony

1

Maximum points

(18)