To assess neurological impairments quantitatively in an animal model of multiple 
sclerosis (MS), we have used a targeted model of experimental autoimmune 
encephalomyelitis (EAE), which leads to the formation of anatomically defined 
lesions in the spinal cord. Deficits in the hindlimb locomotion are therefore 
well defined and highly reproducible, in contrast to the situation in 
generalized EAE with disseminated lesions. Behavioral tests for hindlimb 
sensorimotor functions, originally established for traumatic spinal cord injury, 
revealed temporary or persistent deficits in open field locomotion, the grid 
walk, the narrow beam and the measurement of the foot exorotation angle. Such 
refined behavioral testing in EAE will be crucial for the analysis of new 
therapeutic approaches for MS that seek to improve or prevent neurological 
impairment.