Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The expandable member may be expanded and maintained in an expanded state for at least once cardiac cycle or multiple cardiac cycles to increase cerebral blood flow. The expandable member may then be released after a certain amount of time to release constriction of the aorta.
