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Risheng Xu

Risheng Xu, MD, PhD

Vascular NeurosurgeryEndovascular NeurosurgeryNeurosurgery

Accepting New Patients

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Infant 0-2
  • Child 3-12
  • Adolescent 13-17
  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • Chinese - Mandarin
  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Risheng Xu

Professional Titles

  • Assistant Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Risheng Xu, M.D., Ph.D., is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with expertise in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, and skull base pathologies. He treats patients with a wide range of cerebrovascular disorders such as cerebral aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, carotid stenosis, cavernous malformations and moyamoya disease. He also treats skull base tumors such as acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas) and meningiomas, and pain disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia.

Dr. Xu completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard College, and attended medical school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he also obtained a Ph.D. in pharmacology and molecular sciences. He continued his residency training in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, and remained there to complete a fellowship in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery. 

Dr. Xu has been active in research throughout his training and has authored and co-authored numerous published studies. His basic science research endeavors focus on neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke and molecular mechanisms underlying trigeminal neuralgia. He has authored or co-authored over 100 manuscripts, and has published in journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Science Advances, Science Signaling, Neuron, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the Journal of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery and other journals. Clinically, he studies the long-term outcomes of patients with cerebrovascular disorders and trigeminal neuralgia. 

 

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • Wilmer Magazine: A Cause for Celebration - Wilmer’s team approach to neuro-ophthalmology provides unparalleled care for patients. Summer 2024, Johns Hopkins Medicine( 06/06/2024)

  • Landwehr, Julie. “Why Emilia Clarke's Recovery After 2 Brain Aneurysms Is So 'Remarkable': 'I Am in the Really Small Minority.'” Health, (19 July 2022)

Research Interests

neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke and molecular mechanisms underlying trigeminal neuralgia

Selected Publications

  • Risheng Xu, Sumil K Nair, Joshua Materi, Divyaansh Raj, Giho Park, Ravi Medikonda, Safwan Alomari, Timothy Kim, Yuanxuan Xia, Judy Huang, Michael Lim, Chetan Bettegowda, Safety and cost savings associated with reduced inpatient hospitalization for microvascular decompression World Neurosurgery, 2022 Jul 13; S1878-8750(22)00984-6

  • Bindu D Paul, Juan I Sbodio, Risheng Xu, M Scott Vandiver, Jiyoung Y Cha, Adele M Snowman, Solomon H Snyder Cystathionine γ-lyase deficiency mediates neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease Nature 2014 May 1;509(7498):96-100

  • Risheng Xu, Joshua Materi, Divyaansh Raj, Safwan Alomari, Yuanxuan Xia, Sumil K Nair, Pavan P Shah, Nivedha Kannapadi, Timothy Kim, Judy Huang, Chetan Bettegowda, Michael Lim, Internal neurolysis versus intraoperative glycerin rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia Journal of Neurosurgery 2022 May 6;1-6

  • Risheng Xu, Michael E Xie, James Feghali, Wuyang Yang, Jennifer Kim, Ryan Lee, Jason Liew, Rafael J Tamargo, Judy Huang Revascularization of Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease in a North American Cohort: The Role of Timing in Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes Neurosurgery 2022 Apr 1;90(4):434-440

  • Risheng Xu, Michael E Xie, Wuyang Yang, Philippe Gailloud, Justin M Caplan, Christopher M Jackson, Eric M Jackson, Mari L Groves, Shenandoah Robinson, Alan R Cohen, Judy Huang, Rafael J Tamargo Epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric intracranial aneurysms: comparison with an adult population in a 30-year, prospective database Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics 2021 Sep 10;1-10

Patents

Treatment of Drug Abuse by Preventing GAPDH Nitrosylation, P12097

Honors

  • Baltimore Magazine, Top Doctor, 2024
  • Harvey Cushing Hunterian Research Award, 6/1/22
  • Frank L. Coulson, Jr. Award for Clinical Excellence, 6/1/22
  • William H. Sweet Young Investigator's award by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 6/1/22
  • Irving J. Sherman Award for Resident Achievement, 6/1/17
  • Election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, 6/1/15
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Franklin Paine Mall Award, 6/1/09
  • Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship, 1/1/09
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Thomas J. Kelly and Mary L. Kelly Young Scholar Award, 6/1/08

Locations

  1. Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
  2. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Expertise

Education

  • Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurological Surgery, 2022
  • Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD PhD, 2015

Board Certifications

  • Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2024

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

212 ratings, 93 reviews

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Caring, professional and knowledgeable regarding my condition

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Dr. Risheng Xu is a highly qualified surgeon. I am happy I chose him for my medical needs

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    Excellent always on time and ready to help

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/16/2026

    The video call was appropriate for the appointment. I don't remember meeting Dr.Zu, but he was well informed of my condition. Dr Zu will be performing an angiogram to check on clots/anureysm. I think I would have been dissappointed if I drove all the way to Hopkins just to be told I needed another test. The video call was the perfect format.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/4/2026

    Courteous knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/2/2026

    Provider was concise and very informative.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/25/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/25/2026

    Beta from the doctor's office was the best. Everyone involved with my care was beyond professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/25/2026

    Great team

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/25/2026

    Excellent, clear provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/18/2026

    Best doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/18/2026

    Thank for your help

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/16/2026

    I'm so blessed to be in his care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/16/2026

    Dr. Xu is easy to talk with. He's caring and explains things so that I can understand them.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/16/2026

    Dr. Xu was very professional, knowledgeable, and personable!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    I'm so thankful Dr Xu did my surgery. His personality is top notch, right along with his skill and expertise.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/9/2026

    The best!!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/9/2026

    I really liked him and found him knowledgeable and up-to-date about my problem

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/4/2026

    Best Doctor EVER!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/28/2026

    Easy to understand and talk to. Comes right to the point and explains everything well.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/26/2026

    Dr. Xu is friendly, informative and listens intently to all of my issues.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/21/2026

    Very personable and spoke with me like a friend. Very caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    He was wonderful! Very caring and full of energy

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    Great staffing

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    Dr. Xu is an excellent doctor. I am very lucky to have him caring for me

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Very satisfied all around

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/5/2026

    I have never felt more confident with a doctor. Dr Xu is excellent in every aspect. I currently live in Bangkok. I was in the uS visiting family and was grateful to have a follow up/records review with Dr Xu. I am grateful for his expertise, knowledge, and genuine kindness.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/5/2026

    Blessed and happy when I know that I am going to have an appointment with my Doctor, he is my angel.. I feel with great emotion to know that I am going to see it, I have too much to be thankful for

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/5/2026

    Dr. Xu and [staff] were thorough, calm, and compassionate in explaining my condition. They clearly outlined the pros and cons of treatment versus monitoring, addressed my fears and concerns with patience and empathy, and took the time to answer all of my questions. My daughter accompanied me to the appointment, and I deeply appreciated how attentively and respectfully they responded to her questions as well, making sure she felt included and informed. Throughout the entire process, they were consistently understanding, composed, and reassuring. They gave me the confidence to make an informed decision.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/22/2025

    He was very good at explaining everything to me. My visit was for pre-op for brain tumor removal. I have complete trust in him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/22/2025

    The best Doctor!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Easy to talk with, friendly. Informative. This was a very initial visit so there was not a lot of decision making or questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Dr. Xu is extremely competent as a neurosurgeon. He is also very personable and likeable. He communicates clearly and answers all my questions.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Very nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    I was very pleased with the provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/24/2025

    He is great and knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/19/2025

    Professional and sympathetic

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/19/2025

    Dr Xu was great! He was kind, explained things so I could understand, was patient, and perhaps best of all he took care of my subdural hematomas without any of the bad things that could have happened.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Dr Xu is absolutely amazing!!! His PA, [staff] is incredible as well!! His office assistant, [staff], is great and quick responding

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Dr. Xu listened to my questions and concerns. He was very thorough and he answered all my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Excellent, on time, to the point, answers all questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    Dr.Xu has been the provider for his present condition for more than 18 months. The care started even before being enrolled in the clinic via phone conversations with my wife due to the nature of my condition. We are very grateful to Dr.Xu for taking care of me with good function physically and mentally. He is a great doctor!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    Great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    My husband and sister came along for this initial consultation. We were all very pleased with Dr. Xu and the PA accompanying him and will see him again after the angiogram he ordered.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    Very compassionate

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    Best of the best, humble, energetic, intelligent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    This was an excellent experience for me. I felt that the doctor and nurse were very attentive and knowledgeable. Allowing me to explain my situation and asking clarifying questions. Then, they were able to explain what is likely happening and what the plan moving forward was. It helped that they provided detailed information as to why we were taking the specific next steps. This was an excellent experience.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    So far so good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    Dr Xu was unable to get the audio on his end to work. However, since we had communicated by phone at an earlier meeting, I realized that we could talk by phone while continuing to see each other's faces. The conversation itself was excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/8/2025

    Over the phone conversation. He explained the cause of the problem and was informed there was no cure or solution to treat it.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Very caring and knowledgeable about my medical history.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/1/2025

    I received excellent care from Dr. Xu.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/29/2025

    Both Dr. Xu and the nursing assistant were professional and respectful. They were on time and answered my questions. I had a positive experience.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/24/2025

    Dr.Xu is so wonderful and caring and shows deep compassion

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/24/2025

    [staff] always responds quickly and shows concern. I can't say enough positive words to express my gratitude and thanks to both [staff] and Risheng!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    I'm a big fan. Openness, exuberance, listens to me, explains next steps

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/10/2025

    Dr. Xu is the best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/8/2025

    So glad to have Dr Xu

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/8/2025

    Dr. Xu is amazing. He's very thorough and caring. Additionally he's very knowledgeable.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/3/2025

    Dr.Xu is diligent about seeing me every 3 months to see how the progress of my rhizotomy and if there have been any changes. He is knowledgeable and kind. I would highly recommend his practice.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    Finally, a physician who actually listened to my concern, Dr.Xu was just what I needed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/18/2025

    Very understanding

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/14/2025

    Dr Xu is an excellent neurosurgeon in whom I have the greatest confidence and respect. He treated me for an aneurism in my brain several years ago. He was reassuring and explained procedures in a way that gave me great confidence and relieved my fears. He is the BEST.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/13/2025

    Dr.Xu is great in his profession and his bedside maner

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/11/2025

    Excellent communicator, decisive, intelligent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/11/2025

    Excellent!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/6/2025

    Great care. Went out of his way to see that I got the help I meeded

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/30/2025

    Loved my team, so helpful and knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Provided good information about my health condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/18/2025

    Excellent!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    He is wonderful always in good spirits and always puts a smile on my face of what I have been through

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Gave information which provided a second opinion for my condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Dr.Xu and his team make me feel so comfortable. They are very caring.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Dr. Xu was very knowledgeable about my medical conditio.. He outlined a plan to assess and deal with my medical condition .

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/2/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/28/2025

    Dr. Xu is always pleasant, clear and easy to talk to. He explains my condition, test results and plan moving forward in a way I can understand. I trust what he tells me completely.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/28/2025

    This was a phone call concerning a new approach to my demented partner's SDH. I am one of her medical POAs. The call started a bit later than expected b/c the doctor also spoke with another of the medical POAs.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/21/2025

    Good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/21/2025

    Consistently happy with my provider. Very friendly and talks in a way that is very easy to understand.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/19/2025

    Pleased with the amount of time the Dr spent explaining our options

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/19/2025

    He was thoughtful and most importantly listened to my concerns and addressed them.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/14/2025

    Generally very happy with.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/14/2025

    /most excellent neurosurgeon!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    Dr. Xu concisely explained his findings in a friendly, interactive, and professional manner.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    I was delayed more than 1 hour because the person with an appointment before mine took over 1 hour

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    Incredible doctor, very informative, enthusiastic about the process and procedure- very helpful in keeping my nerves at ease

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    Dr Xu is a kind highly intelligent Dr.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/5/2025

    Excellent, on time did not rush me, answered all questions! Very satisfied

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    Dr. Xu is wonderful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/28/2025

    Dr Xu was great !!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/15/2025

    Dr. Xu and [staff] are both on the video visit. Caring, patient, and helpful with my questions and concerns.