Xenon or xenon-containing gases and, where appropriate, an NO source are employed as medicament for cerebral protection. Cerebral protection is defined as reducing or preventing impairments of cerebral function of various causes, but especially secondary to perfusion impairments of unclear etiology. The medicament can be used for cerebral protection for the prophylaxis of impairments of cerebral perfusion and for therapy after cerebral disorders have occurred, irrespective of the cause (e.g. cognitive, sensory or motor in nature).