This invention is directed to methods for providing neuroprotection comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of Formula (I) and Formula (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof: wherein phenyl is substituted at X with one to five halogen atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine; and, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl; wherein C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl (wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy, amino, nitro and cyano).