Abstract: A system for improving outcome following cerebral ischemia is provided. The system includes a source of nitric oxide and an elongate tubular member for insertion into a nose including at least one orifice thereon. The elongate tubular member is coupled to the source of nitric oxide and configured for delivering the nitric oxide into a nasal cavity through the at least one orifice for absorption into a cerebral vasculature through a nasal vasculature. A device for controlling flow of the gas, a concentration of the nitric oxide in the gas, or both, is also provided.