Table 1 The components of the mNSS

Motor tests

 Raising rat by tail

  Forelimb flexion

1

  Hindlimb flexion

1

  Head moves more than 10 degree from the vertical axis

1

 Placing rat on floor

  Walking in a straight line

0

  Walking toward the paretic side

1

  Circling toward the paretic side

2

  Falls down on the contralateral or ipsilateral side

3

Sensory tests

 Placing test

  No forelimb placing response after vibrissae stimulation

1

  Proprioceptive test

 No forelimb resistance after pushing paws against the table edge

1

Beam balance tests

 Normal walking on the beam

0

 Grasps side of the beam

1

 Hugs the beam and the paretic forelimb falls down from the beam

2

Hugs the beam and the paretic forelimb and hindlimb fall down from the beam

3

 Attempts to balance on the beam but falls off (more than 40 s)

4

 Attempts to balance on the beam but falls off (the duration between 20 and 40 s)

5

 Falls off immediately

6

Reflex absence and abnormal movement

 Lack of pinna reflex (examined using a cotton swab into the ear canal)

1

 Lack of corneal reflex (examined using a cotton swab lightly touching the cornea)

1

 Lack of startle reflex (examined using a loud hand clap)

1

Seizure, myoclonus, or myodystony

1