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Table 4 Generalized neurological severity score

From: Animal models of post-ischemic forced use rehabilitation: methods, considerations, and limitations

Motor tests (maximum 6)

Raising rat by tail (maximum 3)

Flexion of forelimb

1

Flexion of hindlimb

1

Head moved >10° to vertical axis within 30 s

1

Placing rat on floor (maximum 3)

Normal walk

0

Inability to walk straight

1

Circling toward paretic side

2

Falls down to paretic side

3

Sensory tests (maximum 2)

 

Placing test (visual and tactile test)

1

Proprioceptive test (pushing paw against table edge)

1

Beam balance tests (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 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

Reflex absence and abnormal movements (maximum 4)

Pinna reflex (head shake when auditory meatus is touched)

1

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

1

Startle reflex (motor response to snapping a clipboard )

1

Seizures, myoclonus, myodystony

1

Total maximum points

18

Final score: 13–18= severe injury; 7–12= moderate injury; 1–6= mild injury.

  1. A general summary of the evaluations commonly used to assess neurological severity in experimental models. This table can be modified to contain particular tests that are pertinent to the experimental design being used.