Kristen Riley, MD
Neurosurgical OncologyBrain and Tumor NeurosurgeryNeurosurgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults
- Geriatrics
Languages
- English
About Kristen Riley
Biography
In addition to the pituitary tumor service, Dr. Riley serves as the Director of the Adult Epilepsy Surgery Program. A combined program with the UAB Epilepsy Center, patients are evaluated for potential surgical treatments of epilepsy. Surgical procedures for epilepsy include anterior temporal lobectomy, focused cortical resections, invasive monitoring procedures followed by cortical resections, corpus callosotomy and vagal nerve stimulators.
Dr. Riley also specializes in surgical treatment of primary brain tumors, metastatic tumors to the brain and skull base and other intracranial neoplasms. These diseases are addressed using the most advanced imaging and a comprehensive treatment plan is derived which may include stereotactic biopsy, surgical resection, with or without awake intraoperative mapping. Patients are evaluated for minimally invasive endoscopic approaches and for stereotactic radiosurgery when appropriate.
Faculty Appointment
Professor
Research Interests
• My research interests focus on the main areas of my clinical practice: Adult epilepsy surgery, pituitary tumor surgery, minimally invasive skull base surgery.
• I have reorganized the Neurosurgical Pituitary Disorders Clinic with an aim to produce clinically relevant data. We have established an IRB approved database to incorporate the large volume of clinical data and are utilizing the database for outcomes based research.
• Adult Epilepsy Surgery: After successfully growing the surgical practice, I am now pursuing a number of clinical research projects.
• Minimally Invasive Skull Base Surgery. In conjunction with Dr. Brad Woodworth, we have a number of clinical articles from our experience and continue to collect retrospective and prospective data for outcomes research in this field.
Awards & Recognition
2017 Best Doctors in America
2017 B-Metro Top Women in Medicine
1990-1994 Alpha Omega Alpha
Madison County Medical Society Scholarship Russell Scholarship- UAB
Valley Foundation Scholarship
Memberships
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Jefferson County Medical Society
Pituitary Society
American Epilepsy Society
Southern Neurosurgical Society
Neurosurgical Society of Alabama
View Academic Profile
Video
Locations
- Neurosurgery Clinic in Neurosciences One at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
- 2000 6th Avenue South, Floor 2, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Get Directions
- phone: 205-934-7170
Expertise
Education
- Residency: University of Alabama Hospital, 2004
- Internship: University of Alabama Hospital, 1999
- Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine, 1998
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2007
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 of 5 stars
81 ratings, 29 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Professional & friendly staff
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Yes I have been seeing Dr. Riley since 2007 and I continue to see. She is great and knows what she is doing. Very professional !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
I felt very well taken care of.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr. Riley
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr. Riley and her staff are amazing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
I’ve never had a negative encounter there.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Everything was very fast and efficient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
I was late to my appointment because I had a seizure inside the MRI machine. The staff at neurosurgery were all so kind and didn't seem aggravated about my arrival time. Everyone has always been amazing and I'm incredibly grateful for Dr Riley, Allie and the entire staff.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2025
Exceptional care by Dr. Riley and as well with all encounters with other staff members from check in to checking out.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
friendly, fast
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
The most excellent visit that I have ever had. They even welcomed my son to come with me in the back. I really needed that for support. The whole staff, the Doctor is extremely nice and caring. I left knowing that everything was good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/29/2025
Was very pleased with entire staff. Was early in and early out
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Everyone, from the receptionists to the tech, Miss Allie and Dr. Riley are wonderful! So caring, professional and they explained what was going on with me in terms I can understand. Thank you for having each of them on your team! Thank you!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Staff
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
The waiting rooms are Freezing! But other than that and maybe passing out warm blankets and coffee it's is perfect ❤️ 🥶 have a wonderful weekend!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
Very efficient, respectful and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
No, just keep up the good services you provide.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
Excellent doctor, knowledgeable staff and reasonable wait time
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2025
They are good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2025
Speaking with the staff
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2025
That's a good hospital and the people who work there cares for the people
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
I went for a MRI before my appointment with Dr.Riley. My MRI appointment ran into the time I was supposed to be at Dr. Riley office. A staff member called to let them know I running later. The staff at both places were so kind and understanding. And truly made my visits stress free.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Amazing Neurosurgeon and staff
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/14/2025
Dr. Riley is a very good Dr. She explains things to you so you can understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Staff were friendly and helpful. Dr Riley explained my MRI thoroughly and answered my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Always seen on time and earlier if you show up before your appointment time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Everyone was very nice with a great bedside manner. The Dr. and nurse practitioner didn't rush me and took time to ask questions and let me ask my own questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2025
I was extremely satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people providing their God given talents to help me continue living my best life!! Thank you