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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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.

Reshma P.

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.

Kim C.

Dr. Karimi has always made me feel comfortable that I am in the hands of an expert who truly cares. I consider myself very fortunate that he wound up performing the procedures to repair my brain aneurysm, as it was an emergency situation and he was the surgeon on call. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

Karen B.

Dr. Reza Karimi is simply the best! 2 years ago he pointed out the blockage in my husband’s vertebral artery that no other doctor had told us about. The stent he implanted continues to keep the blood flowing. His expert advice and skill are invaluable. We are fortunate to have found him and are eternally grateful to him.

Leonard P.

Dr Karimi is extremely thorough, professional and interested in getting you well. In addition, he performed surgery on my father and saved him from paralysis. I HIGHLY recommend him!!

George K.

Dr. Karimi is extremely knowledgeable remarkably intuitive and genuinely caring. My wife absolutely has all the confidence in the world with Dr. Karimi. He has advised her and guided her to tremendous heights with no exaggeration.

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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

Mark K.

Straight forward answers/explanations Staff is very nice.

E V.

Excelente Doctor,

Karen M.

Dr. Karimi is very professional and explained everything I needed to know so I could understand. The staff are very friendly and helpful especially Elise. The new office is very beautiful and soothing!