Source Paper
Functional assessments in the rodent stroke model
Krystal L Schaar, Miranda M Brenneman, Sean I Savitz
Experimental & Translational Stroke Medicine • 2010
View Abstract
Abstract Stroke is a common cause of permanent disability accompanied by devastating impairments for which there is a pressing need for effective treatment. Motor, sensory and cognitive deficits are common following stroke, yet treatment is limited. Along with histological measures, functional outcome in animal models has provided valuable insight to the biological basis and potential rehabilitation efforts of experimental stroke. Developing and using tests that have the ability to identify behavioral deficits is essential to expanding the development of translational therapies. The present aim of this paper is to review many of the current behavioral tests that assess functional outcome after stoke in rodent models. While there is no perfect test, there are many assessments that are sensitive to detecting the array of impairments, from global to modality specific, after stroke.
Bederson Scale
Objective: Global neurological assessment to measure neurological impairments following stroke using a composite scoring scale
Protocol Steps
Assess Forelimb Flexion
Evaluate forelimb flexion as part of the Bederson scale assessment
Note: This is one of three components of the Bederson scale
View evidence from paper
“Tests include forelimb flexion, resistance to lateral push and circling behavior.”
Assess Resistance to Lateral Push
Evaluate the animal's resistance to lateral push as part of the Bederson scale assessment
Note: This is one of three components of the Bederson scale
View evidence from paper
“Tests include forelimb flexion, resistance to lateral push and circling behavior.”
Assess Circling Behavior
Evaluate circling behavior as part of the Bederson scale assessment
Note: This is one of three components of the Bederson scale
View evidence from paper
“Tests include forelimb flexion, resistance to lateral push and circling behavior.”
Score Behavioral Deficits
Assign a grading score based on observed neurological deficits
Note: Scoring scale ranges from 0-3. Ischemic animals will have significantly higher scores than non-ischemic animals
View evidence from paper
“A grading scale of 0-3 is used to assess behavioral deficits after stroke. Ischemic animals will have significantly more neurological deficits than non-ischemic animals, resulting in a higher score.”