Research Article

Long Course Hyperbaric Oxygen Stimulates Neurogenesis and Attenuates Inflammation after Ischemic Stroke

Table 1

Detail description of the items forming the modified neurological severity score (mNSS).

Motor tests 

Raising rat by tail (normal = 0, maximum = 3)(3)
 Flexion of forelimb1
 Flexion of hindlimb1
 Head moved >10 degree limb vertical axis within 30 s1
Placing rat on floor (normal = 0, maximum = 3)(3)
 Normal walk0
 Inability to walk straight1
 Circling toward the paretic side2
 Falling down to paretic side3
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 posture0
 Grasps side of beam1
 Huging beam and 1 limb falling down from beam2
 Huging beam and 2 limbs falling down from beam, or spins on beam (>60 s)3
 Attempting to balance on beam but falling off (>40 s)4
 Attempting to balance on beam but falling off (>20 s)5
 Falling off; 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, myodystony1
Maximum points(18)

One point is given for an absent reflex tested or for the animal’s inability to perform a task: 1–6 mild injury, 7–12 moderate injury, and 13–18 severe injury