A method for providing and adjusting cerebral cooling in response to changes in a physiological parameter. A spray having a boiling point between 38-300° C. is delivered to the surface of a patients nasal cavities. The spray causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. A physiological parameter, such as cerebral temperature, changes in cerebral blood flow or brain oxygenation is monitored. The delivery rate of the spray is adjusted in response to the physiological parameter.