The present invention relates to the field of inflammation. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cerebral inflammation and associated sequelae thereof including cerebral vasospasm. In one embodiment, a method for treating cerebral vasospasm in a patient comprises the step of administering to the patient a PD-1 agonist, wherein a blood sample obtained from the patient comprises elevated PD-1 expression on monocytes relative to a control.