Reza J. Karimi, MD

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.

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

Preparing for Chiari Decompression Surgery

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

Doctor in blue gloves holding an MRI scan with multiple brain cross-section images.

Ask a Neurosurgeon: What to Know About Brain Aneurysms

A brain aneurysm can feel like a terrifying diagnosis, often compared to the grim specter […]

Is it a Cervical Spinal Stenosis or a Pinched Nerve?

Cervical Spinal Stenosis or Pinched Nerve: What Are the Symptoms? Cervical spinal stenosis is a […]

Aneurysm Coiling: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Safer Outcomes

A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is caused by a […]

The Aging Spine: Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease and Maintaining Spinal Health

Degenerative disc disease, which is most common in older adults, is a common cause of […]

Craniotomy for Aneurysm Repair: Restoring Vascular Health in the Brain

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning of a blood vessel in the wall […]

Radio host makes airwaves with stroke – and complete recovery

Today, Marisol Vargas is the mother of a vivacious 2½-year-old. But in 2019, she ended […]

Practice pioneers new aneurysm technology for riskiest brain aneurysms

Not all brain aneurysms are the same. Nor are all surgeons and practices. Out of […]

What is Brain AVM?

In this video, Dr. Karimi discusses Brain AVM or brain arteriovenous malformation, shedding light on […]