Abstract: Compounds are disclosed of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 carboxyalkyl, phenyl, oxo, amino, carboxy, amido, --NR.sub.4 COR.sub.5 (where R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 both represent C.sub.1-6 alkyl), optionally substituted methylidene or, together with the carbon atom to which it is attached, R.sub.1 forms a 5 or 6-membered ring containing one or more heteroatoms;R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and are C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.3-6 alkenyl; or --NR.sub.2 R.sub.3 forms a 5-membered (optionally containing an oxygen atom adjacent to the nitrogen) or a 6-membered ring, which ring optionally contains one unit of unsaturation and which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, oxo, optionally substituted methylidene, --COR.sub.6 (where R.sub.6 represents C.sub.1-6 alkyl, OR, or --NHR, and R represents hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, aryl, ar(C.sub.1-6)alkyl) or .dbd.NOR.sub.8 (where R.sub.8 represents C.sub.

Abstract: The use of a compound of formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof in the treatment, relief or prevention of the effects of cerebral ischaemia ##STR1## Compounds of formula (I) are described in UK Published Patent Application No. 2157691A.The compounds of formula (I) have been found to protect mammals, including man, against neuronal damage resulting from cerebral ischaemia.The preferred compound for use in this indication is (.+-.)-trans-5-fluoro-2,3,3a,9a-tetrahydro-1H-[1,4]-benzodioxino[2,3-c]- pyrrole (formula (I), R=H, R.sup.1 =F, R.sup.2 =H), especially in the form of its hydrochloride salt.