Reza J. Karimi
MD, FAANS, FACS

Doctor's Biography

Dr. Karimi is widely recognized as a leading expert in complex brain and spine disorders, drawing patients from across the U.S. and New Jersey seeking his specialized care. His unique expertise includes advanced fellowship training in both microvascular and endovascular neurosurgery, allowing him to perform highly intricate procedures with microscopic precision. Dr. Karimi specializes in developing and performing cutting-edge techniques for brain aneurysms, vascular malformations (AVM), cavernous malformations, vascular tumors, Chiari malformation, CSF leak, pseudotumor cerebri, hydrocephalus and neurotrauma. Dr. Karimi is regarded as a seasoned expert in the field and his patient referrals are often from other neurosurgeons.

Dr. Karimi holds several key leadership positions at Hackensack University Medical Center, including serving as the Chief of Vascular Neurosurgery, Director of Neurosurgical Trauma and Critical Care, and co-Director of Cerebrovascular Diseases. His patient-centric philosophy emphasizes non-surgical options whenever feasible, ensuring the safest and most effective treatments are always tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Dr Karimi’s commitment to innovation and patient care underscores his role as a leader in advancing the field of neurosurgery. He continues to lead clinical trials, FDA device trials and serves as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed research articles and textbook chapters. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role as an educator including mentoring the next generation of medical students, residents and fellows. Dr. Karimi presents and lectures nationally, including his role as an instructor at the American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS) Goodman Board certification course. His research interests span cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, neurocritical care, neurosurgical anatomy and intracranial aneurysm flow dynamics. Dr. Karimi’s commitment to innovation and patient care underscores his role as a leader in advancing the field of neurosurgery.

4.9

review us on

Jacqueline A.

6 months ago

Right from the start, NJBrainandSpine listened. Dr. Karimi and Dr. Frenkel understood my pain — not just physically, but how the undiagnosed pain was affecting my daily life. I couldn’t do my regular workouts or fully coach my high school varsity teams, and it was starting to take an emotional toll.

They idn’t rush to conclusions. They carefully reviewed my prior imaging and, instead of jumping on the “looks like hairline fractures” wagon, they took the time to investigate further. They ordered nuclear fusion imaging, analyzed the results, and met as a team to determine the true cause. Ultimately, they found that I needed thoratic spinal fusion — and even identified an incidental hemangioma that needed attention.

From start to finish, every person at NJ Brain & Spine made me feel like their top priority. Nurse Practitioner Yvette, Dr. Frenkel, and Dr. Karimi were incredible — compassionate, thorough, and genuinely invested in my care. The front desk staff was just as impressive, answering every question, coordinating pre-op exams, and helping calm my nerves before surgery.

On “game day,” Dr. Frenkel and Dr. Karimi were my heroes. Thanks to them, I got my life back.

Carleen S.

1 year ago

Dr Karimi is the best, he saved my life. The staff is amazing and the office is gorgeous!

Reshma P.

1 year ago

Dr Karimi: Very professional and great bedside manner. Was able to get a follow up appointment as recommended per the discharge paperwork. His team also assisted with other doctor recommendations for appointments not easy to secure. Just want to say thank you to him and his team.

Jennifer G.

7 months ago

Everyone in the office was very pleasant, helpful, friendly & so professional. As far as Dr. Karim is concerned he is a true gem! The way he took the time to explain all we needed to know in layman terms not in textbook terminology. He made us feel comfortable asking questions, giving us answers with the how, where & why's. He gave us directions to what needs to be done immediately & thereafter. Thank you, Thank you to All!

Dawn H.

12 months ago

Communication is excellent and is also highly recommended by others.

Kimyada O.

5 months ago

Very thorough. Explained in detail what the problem could be. Also explained what needed to be done to get 100% diagnosis. Happy he was recommended by Dr. Kaptain. Looking forward to working closely with him.

Kim R.

9 months ago

New location is amazing! Dr. Karimi continues to be extremely transparent in the most caring way. Completely trust his diagnosis and health plan.

Ana V.

7 months ago

The facility is modern and state of the art. Everything about the appointment from the check in to the actual consultation with the Doctor was very personal, professional and detailed.

Claudia Arechabala Y.

7 months ago

Excellent provider

Mercedes S.

1 year ago

Reza J. Karimi,M.D. Tuve una intervención cirugía de Aneurism Cerebral con el Dr Karimi , donde me sentí muy segura de ponerme en sus manos, el resultado fue lo que esperaba. Excellent Professional Doctor and Person.