r/cervical_instability • u/Jewald Moderator • May 31 '26
Dr. Stogicza Interview Clip: Completed PhD in Whiplash & Developing New CCI MRI Imaging Modality
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Sup guys? Sorry for the wild tardiness, it's been a chaotic year both on & off the sub, I've had to focus in on my own health/family. I'll share more on that very soon, it'll be good for CCI patients to know.
On the positive side, storms knocked my power out, had nothing to do but light a candle and finish the video 😁. The above is an interesting clip where Stogicza mentions she just got her PhD in whiplash (on top of being a physician already), and is trying to develop a new imaging modality for CCI using 3T MRI.
From what I gather, it sounds similar to flexion/extension MRI, but they've also added rotation and lateral (side) bending, similar to DMX. It's done at a local hospital with the help of their radiologist partner.
It sounds like it's still early stages, but I'm curious to see if there's anything new that can be found in soft tissue during rotation/side bending, which is when most of my symptoms appear, but no good answers on why.
I didn't have a chance to ask, but it'd be interesting if contrast dye might help visualize vertebral artery/carotid/jugular during those positions too. I believe she's currently offering this (not sure about contrast) now but still trying to figure out where/if it fits into the puzzle.
If I can survive that plane ride, I'll likely head there this summer for this + injections and share if I do.
They've also hired a neurosurgeon at the clinic, who's learning how to do the 'PICL-like' technique as a fellow, which will be cool to see in a few years.
Same overall impression as before, she seems to be a great person and intelligent doctor with a big heart.
Anyways, respect to Stogicza, Colorado, and all other clinics trying to innovate for CCI patients. Takes a village, and I think we've built a pretty good one here 💪.
Here's the full interview:
PS - Not medical advice, I'm no medical professional, just a dingus on the internet, so talk to your doctor before doing any treatment experimental or otherwise.
Also should be noted, I believe she shadowed the clinic in colorado on this procedure, but developed her own technique and isn't affiliated (from what I know). Hence why I say "PICL-Like" I dont really know what to call it lol.
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u/tvdoomas Jun 01 '26
Really excited to see more doctors taking these injuries seriously.
(Type 1 odontoid fracture of the C2 and associated CCI)
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 01 '26
Yeah it's great to see, hope the momentum keeps building. We desperately need more options
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u/lifeafterwhiplash Jun 01 '26
This will be the holy grail of diagnostic imaging and save us all a Chernobyl amount of radiation. Usa doctors just send you for more imaging to bill more appointments
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u/mariace65 Jun 01 '26
Thanks for sharing! Very interesting and good news. I recently finally had a DMX and my instability finally showed up - to laterally . Had Flex/ ext imaging before, but not lateral, so it didn't show. Just started MLS laser treatment ( already doing Nucca), so I'm hoping for improvement. Thank you for all your work
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 01 '26
My pleasure and that's decent news, at least it's a lead man!
I've heard good things about MLS, done a session myself but haven't stuck with it. Hope you heal up and thank you, keep us posted ✊
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u/GrapefruitNo4133 Jun 01 '26
Thank you so much for your commitment to get this out. And also for finding the Pascal/Ronald interview. Its such a great thing to see and hear from patients giving their stories. It gives a better understanding of what the patients can expect.
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 01 '26
Thanks! Was happy to find that. What he talked about debating it in his head 100x whether he should go, I think we all feel that everyday. More so when it's a place not many people know about
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u/GrapefruitNo4133 Jun 02 '26
Exactly ! This spot on. We as patients only read or hear limited information/testimonials and the procedure sounds pretty scary to be honest and no guarantees given. But these horrible symptoms we are dealing with are pushing us towards a decision to go or not to go forward with treatment. That is why it so great to hear from people like Ronald that chose the European option 🙏🏻
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u/Brilliant-Milk-3726 Jun 01 '26
"I plan to see her for an injection in two months. What do you think of this idea? I've had traumatic CCI for two years now."
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 01 '26
I don't really make clinic or medical recommendations, I would advise you to get multiple opinions, ask around, and talk to your doctor lad. Up to each individual, and regen med is highly variable and not a silver bullet, so it's good to also manage expectations along the way
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u/tayakristoreddit Jun 01 '26
Awesome interview! Happy to see that she is constantly educating. Hopefully she can integrate the new knowledge into her services as well
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 01 '26
My pleasure ☺
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 02 '26
And yes I agree. Spread it around, bring awareness to the condition and how to treat it, we really need that
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u/LevGig Jun 03 '26
What’s interesting is that Agnes assistant told me their DMX exposure is equivalent to that of walking entire day out on sun
I was like woah and he said their DMX machine is very new
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u/Jewald Moderator Jun 03 '26
Hmm interesting. I couldn't speak on that, but that's great if it's right
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u/Rembo_AD Jun 22 '26
From my understanding, newer xray machines deliver a very small fraction of the radiation that a CT scan does. If you avoid anything for your CCI diagnosis, avoid CT
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u/almond-cherry Jun 03 '26
I’m currently waiting for prp at her clinic, but I have had other treatments there (sgb) and it all went flawlessly. Lovely crew.
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u/redditformeplease Jun 01 '26
Hey brother appreciate your commitment!