Provided are methods for promoting axon regeneration of a Central Nervous System (CNS) neuron and promoting nerve function following injury to a CNS neuron, for example, brain and/or spinal cord injury. Axon regeneration in a CNS neuron or nerve function following injury to a CNS neuron can be promoted by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject suffering from a CNS disorder, wherein a symptom of the CNS disorder is axon degeneration.