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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Ana V.

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.

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

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.

D

Good service, good attention one of the best Doctor ever he help a lot I am really thankful for his help and service.

Pam Ackert S.

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.

Susan L.

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

Nanette W.

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.

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.

Joann S.

Dr. Karimi is the Best. He is the greatest neurosurgeon and the most caring and compassionate doctor I know. I am forever grateful for Dr. Karimi. Thank you Dr. Karimi. We love you.