
Risheng Xu, MD, PhD
Endovascular Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
Vascular Neurosurgery
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Risheng Xu
Professional Titles
- Assistant Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
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
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
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 5, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-6406
- fax: 410-955-6402
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224
- phone: 410-550-0465
- fax: 410-550-0748
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Neurological Surgery, 2022Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD PhD, 2015Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
132 ratings, 61 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 3/10/2025
The best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2025
Dr. Xu was amazing. He gave me wonderful care and we couldn't be happier with the outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2025
I appreciate the fact that I didn't have to wait weeks for for the Dr's scheduler to contact me to schedule an appt. I also really appreciate that I didn't have to wait 3 months for an appt., as I often have had to do with specialists at other facilities in the state where I live.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2025
Dr. XU was very friendly, confident and compassionate. He gave me hope that my pain could be alleviated.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2025
Dr. Xu is a very skillful, conscientious and caring physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2025
Very kind and very brilliant.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2025
My provider is caring they listen to me and they understand what I'm saying and far as my prescription you know they talk to me about it and always there to answer the questions for me thank you
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
He Put Me At Ease
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
Dr. Su has a great positive attitude. He makes me feel comfortable in a very uncertain time in my life. He exudes confidence and is always willing to answer questions in a way I understand. He is an excellent doctor and I trust him to give me the best possible care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
I feel he is an excellent caring Dr. Look forward to completing the procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
Dr Su is the MAN. EVERYTHING is outstanding with him. Expertise. Passion for what he does. Concern for his patient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
Most excellent surgeon and physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2025
He was very helpful concerning my need to return to a blood thinner, adjusting my follow-ups to accommodate the need safely.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2025
Provider was very good and help me with everything I need
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
I love Dr. Xu and his team. He has a great deal of humility for such a brilliant man. It is obvious he cares deeply for his patients and expects the same from his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Dr. Xu is up to date on my file, listens to my concerns, answers all questions no matter how weird.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
I am very grateful for my provider he is amazing.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Very courteous and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Very good online meeting
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2024
This was the first time I had met DR. Xu. I was very impressed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2024
Dr Xu was so lively and friendly. He explained everything in layman's terms, made sure I understood what he was stating and was forthright about the processes. Dr Xu has a wonderful personality. He definitely connects with his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
EVERYONE HAS BEEN AWESOME!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
Gave me the information I need and referred me to the office I needed to be seen
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
Dr. Xu is attentive and explains things in such a great way that it's easy to understand. Dr. Xu is warm, friendly and always a pleasure to discuss my particular health matter with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
Very thorough and clear.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2024
I found the doctor to be a Very Pleasant,Professional,Polite,Knowledgeable, Informative Person who addressed my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Dr.Xu, Stephanie Garfunkel, and Beta the secretary are amazing people. They are dedicated to helping in the most anxiety inducing situations. Brain aneurysms, brain surgery, and everything that surrounds that from the actual procedure to scheduling. I could not be more grateful. I would say that Dr.Xu Himself as single-handedly, save my life twice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
The best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2024
Dr. Xu is my neurosurgeon. I have never had a doctor who has been as compassionate as him. Anytime I need to have an appointment with them, He is always willing to meet with me and that is really important to me because he knows all of my medical history and he's basically the only one that I have trust in.. He takes as much time with me that he knows that I need.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2024
Dr Xu really has a great personality which made me feel very comfortable and relaxed during my procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Dr. Xu is the absolute best doctor I could have asked for. Top notch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Very caring, well prepared, had suggestions for addressing my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
The provider Dr. Xu was very professional, considerate, and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Dr Xu is caring and patient, I'm so glad I found him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
He's an intelligent caring individual who understood all my concerns and worriesGood rapport was establishing, allowing us to ask questions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2024
Kind, comforting, knowledgable and professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
Dr Xu is an excellent Dr and is very good at explaining what is going on with my tumor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
My first time seeing this provider. The doctor was very professional and courteous.The visit was good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2024
One of the best in the area.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
On time, knowledgeable and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
Dr Xu is a patient, caring doctor who takes his time explaining your condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2024
Knowledgeable and personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2024
Very familiar with my case and very Understanding of my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Dr Xu provided me with top notch life saving care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Dr. Xu is patient and caring. He clearly answers all my questions and schedules follow up test and visits.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Excellent and very concerned about my health
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2024
Provider listen and make helpful recommendations for better health care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2024
In one sentence, remarkable!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2024
Excellent communication
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Brilliant doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2024
The provider listens to his patients very attentively and he is very caring, and an excellent health care provider. I like the manner with which he handles and treats his patients. I am grateful, thankful for his excellent service , and I appreciate his wonderful service to me a lot and everything that he is doing for our community / country.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2024
Dr. Xu was professional, respectful, and friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2024
Great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2024
Very knowledgeable and attentive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2024
Excellent in every way. So thankful to have Dr Xu as my neurosurgeon. He gives me the info I need to know without having to ask for it. Very open to what questions I may ask. I appreciate his knowledge and the comfort level I have in knowing he's the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2024
Amazing
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2024
DR Xu is better than I could have hoped.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/4/2024
Dr xu is a caring professional I believe he truly cares and is concerned about his patients and their outcome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/1/2024
Fantastic, the best