Bizhan Aarabi

Bizhan Aarabi is a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Director of Neurotrauma at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. With over 50 years of clinical and research experience in neurotrauma, he focuses on traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries, leading groundbreaking studies and clinical trials globally.

Education

• Saadi High School, Abadeh, Iran (1959-1965)
• Pre-Med, Pahlavi University School of Arts and Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (1967)
• MD, Pahlavi University Medical School, Shiraz, Iran (1973)

Research Interests

Dr. Aarabi’s work centers on traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. His research explores lesion expansion mechanisms, surgical timing for SCI decompression, and pharmacological interventions like Riluzole and Glyburide. He has pioneered validated spinal injury classification systems and outcome instruments.

His recent publications emphasize surgical timing, pharmacotherapy, and spinal injury classification systems, reflecting trends in evidence-based neurotrauma care.

Scientific Awards

• Valedictorian and Highest Achievement Award, Pahlavi University Medical School (1973)
• First Prize, Iranian Government Medal of Honor (1990)
• Multiple Hero Awards from the Shock Trauma Center (2001-2010)

Grants & Collaborations

Dr. Aarabi has led or co-led major trials funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and AOSpine, including studies on decompressive craniectomy, Riluzole, and spinal cord perfusion pressure. He collaborates internationally with the AOSpine Knowledge Forum and global neurosurgical societies.