The present technology generally is directed to methods for treating mild brain injury and other neurological disorders in a subject. The methods can include administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound comprising ghrelin. The present technology is also generally directed to methods for treating mild brain injury and other neurological disorders in a subject, for example, by administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound comprising ghrelin modified to include octanoic acid or by limiting the carbon 14 content.