Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl of 1-8 carbons have been shown to have both neuroprotective and analgesic activities. The compounds of the invention may be used in treatment of conditions that would normally result in neuronal damage, including those arising on account of cerebral ischemia/hypoxia or increase in intracranial pressure such as neoplasms, stroke, meningitis or trauma and for treatment of pain. Compositions of the invention can also be useful for treatment of toxin-related damage such as drug over-dose or exposure to toxins in the environment.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl of 1-8 carbons have been shown to have both neuroprotective and analgesic activities. The compounds of the invention may be used in treatment of conditions that would normally result in neuronal damage, including those arising on account of cerebral ischemia/hypoxia or increase in intracranial pressure such as neoplasms, stroke, meningitis or trauma. Compositions of the invention can also be useful for treatment of toxin-related damage such as drug over-dose or exposure to toxins in the environment.

Abstract: The compounds belong to the class of non-narcotic, non-opiate derivatives the 1-phenylalkanecarboxylic acid basic structure useful as anticonvulsant and neuroprotective agents. The compounds include novel derivatives as well as previously published species. Methods for controlling convulsions in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations and modalities are also provided.

Abstract: It has been discovered that certain (+)-3-substituted-N-alkylmorphinans are ffective anticonvulsant and neuroprotective agents. Novel compounds having these biological properties are presented in a method of use for preventing, treating or controlling convulsions in mammals having a need for such treatment. The compounds do not lead to dependency, have low toxicity, and provide effective anticonvulsant or neuroprotective treatment with little or no behavioral detriment to the recipient. A number of pharmacological formulations and methods of administering compounds of the invention are suitable for anticonvulsive or neuroprotective treatments.

Abstract: An anticonvulsant composition comprising as an active ingredient an amount effective for controlling seizures in mammals of a compound selected from the group consisting of dextromethorphan and other non-narcotic, non-addictive, low-toxicity compounds that bind to the same central nervous system sites as dextromethorphan. The composition may also contain an antiepileptic hydantoin, which is potentiated by said compound.

Abstract: Diphenylhydantoin and for dextromethorphan to control seizures.