
Risheng Xu, MD, PhD
Vascular NeurosurgeryEndovascular NeurosurgeryNeurosurgery
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
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns 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
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.
Centers and Institutes
Videos
- Meet Our Expert: Risheng Xu, M.D., Ph.D. | Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgeon
- Endovascular Embolization for Medically Refractory Pediatric Epilepsy
- Case Presentation: Microsurgical Resection of Sphenoid Wing Meningioma Compressing Optic Nerve
- Life Part 2 | Pat’s Story After an Optic Nerve Meningioma
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
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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)
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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
- Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 5, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-6406
- fax: 410-955-6402
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-550-0465
- fax: 410-550-0748
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
- 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 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/23/2026
Caring, professional and knowledgeable regarding my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
Excellent always on time and ready to help
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Courteous knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Provider was concise and very informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Great team
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Excellent, clear provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Best doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Thank for your help
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/16/2026
I'm so blessed to be in his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 2/16/2026
Dr. Xu was very professional, knowledgeable, and personable!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
The best!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
I really liked him and found him knowledgeable and up-to-date about my problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2026
Best Doctor EVER!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Easy to understand and talk to. Comes right to the point and explains everything well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
Dr. Xu is friendly, informative and listens intently to all of my issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2026
Very personable and spoke with me like a friend. Very caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
He was wonderful! Very caring and full of energy
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Great staffing
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr. Xu is an excellent doctor. I am very lucky to have him caring for me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Very satisfied all around
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
The best Doctor!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 12/10/2025
Very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/1/2025
I was very pleased with the provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/1/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
He is great and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Professional and sympathetic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Excellent, on time, to the point, answers all questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 11/3/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/20/2025
Very compassionate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/20/2025
Best of the best, humble, energetic, intelligent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
So far so good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/6/2025
Very caring and knowledgeable about my medical history.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2025
I received excellent care from Dr. Xu.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr.Xu is so wonderful and caring and shows deep compassion
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 9/17/2025
I'm a big fan. Openness, exuberance, listens to me, explains next steps
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/10/2025
Dr. Xu is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
So glad to have Dr Xu
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Dr. Xu is amazing. He's very thorough and caring. Additionally he's very knowledgeable.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Finally, a physician who actually listened to my concern, Dr.Xu was just what I needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/18/2025
Very understanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 8/13/2025
Dr.Xu is great in his profession and his bedside maner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/11/2025
Excellent communicator, decisive, intelligent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/11/2025
Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2025
Great care. Went out of his way to see that I got the help I meeded
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2025
Loved my team, so helpful and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
Provided good information about my health condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2025
Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Gave information which provided a second opinion for my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Dr.Xu and his team make me feel so comfortable. They are very caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/2/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Pleased with the amount of time the Dr spent explaining our options
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
He was thoughtful and most importantly listened to my concerns and addressed them.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Generally very happy with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
/most excellent neurosurgeon!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
Dr. Xu concisely explained his findings in a friendly, interactive, and professional manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
Dr Xu is a kind highly intelligent Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
Excellent, on time did not rush me, answered all questions! Very satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2025
Dr. Xu is wonderful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
Dr Xu was great !!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
Dr. Xu and [staff] are both on the video visit. Caring, patient, and helpful with my questions and concerns.