Abstract: A method for the treatment of spinal cord injury is disclosed. The method involves the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a defibrinogenating or fibrinolytic agent. In accordance with the principles of the invention, also disclosed are a method for the treatment of neuronal and neurological damage associated with or caused by spinal cord injury, a method for minimizing neuronal and neurological damage associated with spinal cord injury, a method for reducing, limiting, and/or delaying scarring at the site of a spinal cord injury, a method for reducing or limiting the development of spontaneously occurring, post-operative or post-traumatic injury spinal adhesions, a method for educing or limiting the development of spontaneously occurring, post-operative or post-traumatic injury spinal tethering and a method for reducing or limiting the pain associated with arachnoiditis. In a preferred aspect of the disclosed methods, the defibrinogenating agent is ancrod.