Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Understanding the extent to which murine models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) replicate clinically relevant neurologic outcomes is critical for mechanistic and therapeutic studies. We determined sensorimotor outcomes in a mouse model of TBI and validated the use of a standardized neurologic examination scoring system to quantify the extent of injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a lateral fluid percussion injury model of TBI and compared TBI animals to those that underwent sham surgery. We measured neurobehavioral deficits using a standardized 12-point neurologic examination, magnetic resonance imaging, a rotating rod test, and longitudinal acoustic startle testing. RESULTS: TBI animals had a significantly decreased ability to balance on a rotating rod and a marked reduction in the amplitude of acoustic startle response. The neurologic examination had a high inter-rater reliability (87% agreement) and correlated with latency to fall on a rotating rod (R(s) = -0.809). CONCLUSIONS: TBI impairs sensorimotor function in mice, and the extent of impairment can be predicted by a standardized neurologic examination.