The invention relates to a method of treating neurological damage, preferably spinal chord injury, said treatment comprising the topical administration of guanabenz. The invention also relates to the use of guanabenz for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of neurological damage, preferably spinal chord injury, wherein said treatment comprises the topical administration of guanabenz to the site of said neurological damage. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising guanabenz wherein said compositions are in the form of an aqueous gel or non-aqueous ointment.