A method for treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases, disorders or conditions. An alkyl ester of imidazole carboxylic acid, preferably methyl 4-imidazolecarboxylate, is administered in a therapeutic amount. It is hypothesized that the alkyl ester of imidazole carboxylic acid serves to restore and/or maintain the intracellular/extracellular osmolyte gradient in the central nervous system (CNS). The methyl 4-imidazolecarboxylate may be administered transdermally, using PLO gel or other suitable transdermal carrier. The compound may also be administered orally, inhaler or by injection. The treatment is advantageously performed on a three day cycle, with a period of two days intervening between each day on which the compound is administered. Dosage ranges may be from about 0.01 mcg to about 3.0 mcg, with dosages in the range from about 0.1 mcg to about 0.2 mcg in generally preferred when using transdermal administration.