Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of treatment and to agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a nervous system disease, demyelinating disease and/or an inflammatory disease of either the central or peripheral nervous system such as but not limited to an encephalopathic condition and even more particularly an encephalomyelopathic condition. The present invention further provides the use of leukemia inhibitory factor or derivatives, homologous or analogues thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a nervous system disease, demyelinating disease and/or an inflammatory disease of either the central or peripheral nervous system such as but not limited to an encephalopathic and more particularly an encephalomyelopathic condition.