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.

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Karen M.

Dr. Karimi was very informative and answered all my questions. He makes you feel at ease. The staff is great. A wonderful experience.

Carleen S.

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

Jennifer G.

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!

Kimyada O.

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.

Vivian F.

Staff and doctor Karimi were very nice and knowledgeable…

Mercedes S.

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.

Susan A.

Dr Karimi is everything you want in a doctor who is going to work on your brain! He is kind and patient and reassuring but most importantly he is a brilliant practitioner with years of experience and knowledge. He took care of an aneurysm I had which was an incidental finding due to tests and the minute I met him I knew I was in competent and confident hands. Working with his staff is also a comfort when you are feeling some anxiety about any procedure. Let Dr Karimi ease you through any medical decision regarding aneurysms and related issues and you will have peace of mind throughout the process. Thank you, Dr Karimi, for your expertise and kindness!

Jacqueline A.

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.

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It feels magnificent knowing our mother, Carmen, was in good hands with the marvelous soul, Dr. Karimi~ After her Aneurysm surgery and Angiogram we were reassured with joy in our spirits that she is healed~ We are forever grateful to you, Dr. Reza Karimi~ Infinite Blessings to you for all time!

~Dr. Hernandez

Sonia H.

My family and I would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts Dr Karimi and his staff of great and humble drs . For the care and success of my sister Eva Urena surgery. He’s the best lots of blessings to all from our family🌹