Dr. Nakaji is considered one of the leading neurosurgeons in the United States for his expertise in vascular, tumor, endoscopic and minimally invasive neurosurgery. He is a respected authority for the treatment of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), cavernous malformations, moyamoya disease, extracranial-intracranial bypass, and carotid artery disease. Dr. Nakaji is board certified by th
e American Board of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Nakaji is a pioneer in area of neuroendoscopy for “keyhole” treatment of conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Colloid Cysts. He is a strong proponent of the “minimally invasive” surgical philosophy, meaning that he often can perform surgery through surgical incisions that are smaller, less traumatic, and allow faster recovery, with the least possible disfigurement and discomfort to the patient. Dr. Nakaji never shaves patients’ hair off. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Nakaji, in 2009, was appointed the Director of the Neurosurgery Residency Program at Barrow Neurological Institute, the largest neurosurgery residency program in North America. Dr. Nakaji takes seriously his responsibility to train and cultivate the 26 residents under his care to become skilled surgeons and compassionate doctors. Dr. Nakaji has written extensively on a variety of topics including: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Aneurysm surgery, Arteriovenous Malformations, Bypass surgery, and Neuroendoscopy among others. He is currently the principal investigator on over a dozen research studies. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has made dozens of medical presentations. He is the recipient of several awards including: Patient Choice Award in 2009 and Americas Best Doctors in 2010. Dr. Nakaji completed his residency at the University of California, San Diego. He received additional fellowship training in neuro-oncology and endoscopic neurosurgery in Sydney, Australia under Dr. Charles Teo, and completed a fellowship in Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute under Dr. Robert Spetzler. When Dr. Nakaji is not working, he enjoys time at home with his family. Other pleasures include running and travel.
