Twenty-eight-point neurological score

Mice that underwent the filament MCAo model were scored neurologically for focal deficits with a 28-point neurological scoring system as previously reported [10]. The 28-point scale awards a score of 0–4 (0 = normal, 4 = most severely affected) on seven different characteristics by a variety of assessment methods: (i) body symmetry—assessed by observation on open bench, (ii) gait—assessed by observation on open bench, (iii) climbing—assessed by observing gripping at 45°, (iv) circling behavior—assessed by observation on open bench, (v) front limb symmetry—assessed via tail suspension, (vi) compulsory circling—assessed by allowing front limbs to be placed on bench during tail suspension, and (vii) whisker response—assessed via light touch from behind.