Magnesium therapy and recovery of function in experimental models of brain injury and neurodegenerative disease.

The role of magnesium (Mg(2+)) in brain injury has been well established. The present paper reviews the use of Mg(2+) therapy to facilitate recovery of function in a focal model of brain injury. Specifically a summary of the ability of magnesium chloride (MgCl(2)) to induce recovery of chronic behavioral impairments and the establishment of MgCl(2)'s wide therapeutic window is presented. These results suggest that Mg(2+) therapy is effective in facilitating recovery of function and exhibits very robust and unique effects.