Posted on31 July 2025,in

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), sometimes referred to as pseudotumor cerebri, is a complex neurological condition marked by increased pressure within the skull without an obvious cause like a tumor or brain injury. For many people, the symptoms of IIH can be debilitating—chronic headaches, vision disturbances, pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness, and brain fog disrupt daily life and leave sufferers feeling frustrated, scared, and desperate for relief.

If you live in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, or surrounding areas and have been searching for “IIH treatment near me” or “natural remedies for intracranial pressure,” you’re in the right place. At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we offer a cutting-edge, gentle approach through Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care that aims to correct the root neurological imbalance—not just mask the symptoms.

In this blog post, you’ll learn:

What is IIH and what causes it?
Why IIH symptoms often go undiagnosed or mismanaged
The surprising role of the upper cervical spine in IIH
How Lavender Family Chiropractic uses advanced diagnostics like 3D CBCT imaging and functional nervous system scans to pinpoint the problem
How our gentle, precise upper cervical adjustments can help restore balance and reduce symptoms
What makes Lavender Family Chiropractic the go-to office for neurological conditions in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch
Top 15 FAQs about IIH and upper cervical chiropractic care

What is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)?

IIH is a condition characterized by elevated pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) without any clear cause such as a tumor or brain lesion. This abnormal pressure can affect the optic nerves and surrounding tissues, often leading to vision changes or even permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Common Symptoms of IIH Include:

Severe daily headaches (often behind the eyes or throbbing)
Blurred or double vision
Vision loss or blind spots
Pulsatile tinnitus (a rhythmic whooshing sound in the ears)
Neck and shoulder pain
Dizziness or balance issues
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
A feeling of “pressure” in the head, especially when lying down

What Causes IIH?

Despite the word “idiopathic” meaning “unknown cause,” mounting evidence points to factors like poor cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, venous outflow obstruction, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and postural dysfunction as major contributors. However, one overlooked cause that’s gaining attention is structural misalignment at the craniocervical junction—especially the top bones in the neck, known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2).

The Upper Cervical Connection to Intracranial Pressure

The upper cervical spine is the gateway between the brain and the rest of the body. When the atlas (C1) shifts out of its normal position—due to trauma, poor posture, repetitive strain, or even birth trauma—it can subtly obstruct the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood between the skull and spine. This can create a traffic jam effect, increasing intracranial pressure over time.

Studies and clinical reports have shown that when the alignment of the upper cervical spine is corrected, the pressure within the skull often normalizes naturally—sometimes within days or weeks.

How Lavender Family Chiropractic Helps Patients with IIH

At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, we specialize in a powerful yet gentle form of care called Upper Cervical Chiropractic. This approach focuses exclusively on the top of the spine—where your brainstem, spinal cord, and major blood vessels all converge.

Here’s how our process works:

1. Advanced Diagnostics with 3D CBCT Imaging and Nervous System Scans
We use Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans to see your exact upper cervical anatomy in three dimensions. This allows us to measure and visualize any structural misalignment that may be disrupting normal CSF flow or venous drainage. We also perform functional scans of your nervous system using Tytron infrared thermography to detect imbalances that may not show up on traditional imaging.

2. Gentle, Precise Adjustments—No Twisting, Cracking, or Popping
We use precise measurements from your CBCT scan to deliver specific corrections to the misaligned atlas or axis. These adjustments are incredibly gentle, performed by hand or instrument, and do not involve any high-force manipulation. This makes our care ideal for patients with neurological symptoms, migraines, or fragile health conditions.

3. Ongoing Progress Monitoring
We re-scan and assess progress regularly using our Tytron scans and postural evaluations. As your alignment stabilizes, we often see dramatic improvements in IIH symptoms—including reduced head pressure, better vision, improved energy, and clearer thinking.

Real Results from Patients with Intracranial Hypertension and Neurological Issues

Many of our patients come to us after years of unsuccessful treatments, bouncing from neurologist to specialist without answers. One of our patients, a young woman from Lakewood Ranch, had daily pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness, and vision issues from IIH. After only a few precise upper cervical adjustments, she reported dramatic reduction in symptoms, better sleep, and clearer vision.

Why Lavender Family Chiropractic is the Best Chiropractor for IIH in Sarasota, Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch

We are one of the only Upper Cervical Chiropractic offices in the Sarasota-Manatee region specializing in advanced neurological imaging and care
Our 3-doctor team—Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski—brings decades of combined expertise
We serve patients from Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Ellenton, Venice, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, and beyond
We focus on finding and fixing the root cause—not just treating symptoms
Our approach is safe, gentle, and suitable for patients of all ages

Top 15 FAQs About IIH and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

What is IIH and how is it diagnosed?
IIH is elevated intracranial pressure without a known cause, often diagnosed via MRI, lumbar puncture, and eye exams.
Can chiropractic help IIH?
Yes, upper cervical chiropractic may help reduce intracranial pressure by improving CSF and venous outflow.
What makes Upper Cervical Chiropractic different?
It focuses on the top two bones of the spine, where brainstem and CSF flow can be affected.
Is it safe for someone with neurological issues?
Absolutely. Our adjustments are gentle, precise, and designed with neurological patients in mind.
Do I need a referral from a neurologist?
No referral is necessary to begin care with us.
Do you take imaging before starting care?
Yes. Every patient receives a 3D CBCT scan and functional nervous system scan before any correction is made.
What if I’ve had a spinal tap or shunt for IIH?
We work with many patients who’ve had medical interventions. Our care is complementary and non-invasive.
How long before I feel better?
Some patients notice changes in days; others may take weeks. It depends on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Is it covered by insurance?
Our office is out of network with insurance. Many of our patients receive a superbill to submit to their insurance for reimbursement based on their coverage. We offer many different payment options as well as finance options.
Will it hurt?
No. Our technique is so gentle that many patients don’t even feel the adjustment.
Can this help with the vision issues from IIH?
We’ve seen patients report improvements in visual clarity, pressure behind the eyes, and less optic nerve swelling.
Do I need ongoing care forever?
No. Once stability is achieved, many patients move to wellness or as-needed care.
How do you monitor my progress?
With follow-up scans, posture checks, and symptom evaluations.
Do you treat kids or teenagers with IIH?
Yes. We’ve helped children and teens with IIH symptoms find relief naturally.
Where are you located and how do I schedule?
Lavender Family Chiropractic is at 5899 Whitfield Ave Ste 107, Sarasota, FL 34243. You can call us at (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to schedule.

Service Areas

We proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Ellenton, Venice, Osprey, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Myakka City.

Take the First Step Toward Relief from IIH

If you’re struggling with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and haven’t found answers, it’s time to look at your neck. At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we’re here to help you reclaim your life—starting at the top.

Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota Florida offers complimentary consultations to learn more about you. Click the link below!

https://intake.chirohd.com/new-patient-scheduling/724/lavender-family-chiropractic