Inflammation plays a significant role in central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. Initially considered immune privileged, the CNS now exhibits inflammatory features, with resident cells producing inflammatory mediators like cytokines, prostaglandins, and complement, which recruit immune cells and activate glial cells. Inflammation contributes to acute, chronic, and psychiatric CNS disorders, though it has dual roles, with acute detrimental effects and long-term beneficial effects on repair. Targeting interleukin (IL)-1 is a promising therapy for stroke and traumatic brain injury, as IL-1ra is well tolerated. Chronic disorders, like Alzheimer's disease (AD), pose greater therapeutic challenges, with anti-inflammatory agents showing mixed results in clinical trials. Inflammation is influenced by factors like aging, genetics, and environment, affecting both acute injury and chronic neurodegeneration. Inflammation is involved in various CNS diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and chronic psychiatric disorders. While inflammation is harmful in some contexts, it also aids in repair and recovery. Therapeutic targets include microglial activation, cytokines like IL-1 and TNFα, and molecules involved in adhesion and NO production. Statins and anti-inflammatory agents show potential in treating CNS diseases. Understanding the complex interplay of inflammatory mediators is crucial for developing effective therapies for CNS disorders.Inflammation plays a significant role in central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. Initially considered immune privileged, the CNS now exhibits inflammatory features, with resident cells producing inflammatory mediators like cytokines, prostaglandins, and complement, which recruit immune cells and activate glial cells. Inflammation contributes to acute, chronic, and psychiatric CNS disorders, though it has dual roles, with acute detrimental effects and long-term beneficial effects on repair. Targeting interleukin (IL)-1 is a promising therapy for stroke and traumatic brain injury, as IL-1ra is well tolerated. Chronic disorders, like Alzheimer's disease (AD), pose greater therapeutic challenges, with anti-inflammatory agents showing mixed results in clinical trials. Inflammation is influenced by factors like aging, genetics, and environment, affecting both acute injury and chronic neurodegeneration. Inflammation is involved in various CNS diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and chronic psychiatric disorders. While inflammation is harmful in some contexts, it also aids in repair and recovery. Therapeutic targets include microglial activation, cytokines like IL-1 and TNFα, and molecules involved in adhesion and NO production. Statins and anti-inflammatory agents show potential in treating CNS diseases. Understanding the complex interplay of inflammatory mediators is crucial for developing effective therapies for CNS disorders.