The present invention provides an intranasal method for delivery of intact mammalian cells to the brain for treatment of neurological deficits. This approach applies an intranasal instillation to directly administer cells to the brain, and is useful as therapy for patients with neurological deficit or those who may benefit from cellular therapy as a result of stroke, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, diabetes, traumatic injury, surgery, cancer, or other diseases of the brain. This non-invasive method of delivering neuronal cells is desirable and safe.