System and method for improving outcome of cerebral ischemia

A system for improving outcome following cerebral ischemia comprising:

• a source of a gas comprising NO;
• an elongate tubular member for insertion into a nose including at least one orifice thereon said tubular member operably coupled to said source of a gas, the elongate tubular member configured for delivering said NO into a nasal cavity through said at least one orifice for absorption into a cerebral vasculature through a nasal vasculature;
• a first occlusive member for occluding the nasal cavity anterior to said at least one orifice;
• and
• a means for controlling flow of the gas, a concentration of the NO in said gas, or both, wherein said outcome following cerebral ischemia is improved.