The present invention generally relates to methods, compositions and materials for treatment of and promotion of neurological functional recovery from neurological conditions including central nervous system injuries and/or diseases. One embodiment of the invention relates to a method to treat a neurological condition in a patient by administering a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) to the intrathecal cavity of the patient. In one aspect, the step of administering is conducted without direct administration of the SLRP to central nervous system tissues. In another aspect, the step of administering includes administering the SLRP to a portion of the intrathecal cavity selected from the cistema cerebellomedullaris (cisterna magna), the intrathecal cavity at the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal cord levels, and infusion to the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the corda equina.
