Reza J. Karimi
MD, FAANS, FACS

Meet The Expert

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.

 

Dr Karimi is the best, he saved my life. The staff is amazing and the office is gorgeous!
He is an excellent surgeon from my experience, and he is very easy to talk to, I am very lucky to have such an knowledgeable surgeon taking care of me and makes me feel so comfortable.
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!
What an amazing doctor. Fantastic bedside manner. You leave the office. Feeling 100% confident that all is going to be well..
Also, Ramona, who is the person that schedules for him for surgery. Is amazing !
I highly recommend his office staff
To Dr. Reza J. Karimi,
I wanted to share my heartfelt gratitude for your skillful hands. When I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, it was very frightening. Your patience in helping me understanding the procedure gave me confidence. I am very grateful for your God gifted hands in eliminating my brain aneurysm. I cannot thank you enough for giving me this beautiful gift, a healthy future. May God continue to bless you and your family.
He is knowledge, friendly and patient to answer my question. He's a very professional.
New location is amazing! Dr. Karimi continues to be extremely transparent in the most caring way. Completely trust his diagnosis and health plan.
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.
To say Dr. Karimi is compassionate, knowledgeable, kind and supportive is only mentioning a few of his finest qualities. When my husband was facing a medical emergency, he was lucky enough to be placed under the care of Dr. Karimi at Hackensack University Hospital and he could not have been luckier. Dr. Karimi was patient, caring and informative when explaining what my husband was facing and the best course of action. He took the time to answer all of our questions, addressed our concerns, and reassured us at a very difficult time. He was confident and realistic in his abilities to help my husband and with his clear expertise in his field, my husband has made a full recovery thanks to this amazing man. His bedside manner is unparalleled and my family thanks Dr. Karimi from the bottom of our hearts for healing him. We have absolutely no reservations in recommending him for any neurosurgical needs.
Dr Karimi is wonderful! He is knowledgeable, skilled, gifted and confident. He made me know that I was in the best hands possible and eased my fears. Thank you always, Susan

Education and Fellowship

Medical School

UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

Residency

Neurological Surgery at New Jersey Medical School-University Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center (served as chief resident), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (served as chief resident)

Fellowship

Advanced Fellowship Training in Microvascular Neurosurgery and Endovascular Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospital

Awards and Recognition

  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area (digital guide): 2022, 2023
  • New York Magazine: Top Doctors: 2022, 2023
  • Jersey’s Best Magazine Top Doctors: 2022, 2023

Professional Memberships

  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons – Joint Cerebrovascular Section
  • Medical Society of New Jersey
  • New Jersey Neurosurgical Society
  • Society of Neurointerventional Surgery

Learn more from Dr. Reza J. Karimi

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Posts by Dr. Reza J. Karimi

How the Pipeline Device Works: The Science Behind Flow Diversion

In my two decades as a neurosurgeon, I’ve witnessed remarkable advances in how we treat […]

Cerebral angiogram basilar tip brain aneurysm

Risks and Benefits of Cerebral Angiogram: What You Need to Know

Risks and Benefits of Cerebral Angiogram: What You Need to Know A cerebral angiogram helps […]

Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Dangerous? When to See a Doctor

Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Dangerous? When to See a Doctor If you’ve ever experienced a persistent […]

Dr. Karimi Answers - What is Brain Aneurysm Coiling

What is Brain Aneurysm Coiling

In this video, Dr. Karimi discusses brain aneurysm coiling, shedding light on this treatment that […]

Recovery and Rehabilitation after Aneurysm Coiling: What to Expect

Nearly all patients with brain aneurysms, also known as cerebral aneurysms, can be safely and […]

Aneurysm Clipping: Surgical Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms

Nearly all patients with brain aneurysms, also known as cerebral aneurysms, can be safely and […]

NJBS Wins Awards

At New Jersey Brain and Spine, we are thrilled to announce that Castle Connolly has […]

What is a Brain AVM - NJ Brain and Spine

Support and Empowerment: Living with a Brain AVM and Finding Hope

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangling of blood vessels that occur in the brain. […]

Preparing for Chiari Decompression Surgery

Chiari decompression surgery is a procedure that people seek to address their Chiari malformation symptoms. […]