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.
Modified Neurological Severity Scores (mNSS)
Objective: Assess neurological functioning across motor, sensory, reflex and balance domains using a composite scoring scale in rodent stroke models
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Equipment1
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified
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Protocol Steps
Motor assessment - muscle status and abnormal movement evaluation
Evaluate motor function including muscle status and abnormal movement patterns
Note: Component of composite mNSS scoring
View evidence from paper
“The mNSS includes a composite of motor (muscle status and abnormal movement), sensory (visual, tactile and proprioceptive), reflex and balance tests”
Sensory assessment - visual, tactile and proprioceptive testing
Evaluate sensory function across visual, tactile and proprioceptive modalities
Note: Component of composite mNSS scoring
View evidence from paper
“The mNSS includes a composite of motor (muscle status and abnormal movement), sensory (visual, tactile and proprioceptive), reflex and balance tests”
Reflex testing - pinna and startle reflexes
Test pinna reflex and startle reflex responses
Note: One point is deducted for the lack of a tested reflex. Reflexes tested are pinna and startle reflexes, which are unlikely related to damage within the MCA territory
View evidence from paper
“the reflexes tested in the mNSS are the pinna and startle reflexes, which are unlikely related to damage within the MCA territory”
Balance assessment
Evaluate balance function
Note: Component of composite mNSS scoring
View evidence from paper
“The mNSS includes a composite of motor (muscle status and abnormal movement), sensory (visual, tactile and proprioceptive), reflex and balance tests”
Scoring and composite calculation
Calculate overall composite score based on test performance
Note: One point is given for the inability to perform each test. An overall composite score is given to determine impairment
View evidence from paper
“One point is given for the inability to perform each test while one point is deducted for the lack of a tested reflex, and an overall composite score is given to determine impairment”