Table 1 Modified Neurological Severity Score Test (mSCC) (modified from Chen et al, 2001).

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

(3)

   Flexion of forelimb

1

   Flexion of hindlimb

1

   Head moved > 10° to 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

   Falls down to paretic side

3

Beam balance test (normal = 0; maximum = 3)

(6)

   Balances with steady figure (>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 (>30 s)

3

   Attempts to balance on beam but falls off (>20 s)

5

   Attempts to balance on beam but falls off (>10 s)

6

   Falls off, no attempt to balance or hang on the beam (<10 s)

Reflex absence and abnormal movements (normal = 0; maximum = 2)

(2)

   Pinna reflex (head shaken when meatus is touched)

1

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

1

Maximum Points

14