Behavioral characterization of the anterior injection model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

•Flex field analysis of SAH animals showed a significant reduction of locomotor activity compared to controls in correlation with severity.•SHIRPA score revealed a significant reduction in motor behavior in SAH animals two days after surgery.•SAH animals show a significant increase of GFAP expression, Fluoro Jade C and TUNEL positive cells as well as microthrombi.•Significant negative correlation between flex field righting and the number of degenerative neurons or microthrombi.