A method of reducing the occurrence of brain cell damage or death caused by transient cerebral hypoxia, ischemia, brain inflammation or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) event. The method typically comprises identifying a subject with transient cerebral hypoxia, ischemia, brain inflammation or a TBI, and within 24 hours of onset of the condition, administering to the subject a continuous intravenous infusion dose of methamphetamine in an amount sufficient to reduce the occurrence of brain cell damage or death caused by the condition. Preferably, the dose is increased in response to a delay in administration. The invention also relates to a method for modulating cytokine expression within the brain to treat such conditions.
