Claude Wasterlain

Claude Wasterlain, M.D., L.Sc.D., is a Professor in Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and Chief of Neurology at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. He holds dual leadership roles as Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurology at UCLA (since 1976) and Chair of Neurology at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (since 1998). His laboratory is located in Building 114 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

Education:

• M.D., University of Liege, Belgium (1961)
• L.Sc. in Molecular Biology, Free University of Brussels (1969)
• Neurology residency and research fellowship under Jerry Posner at Cornell University Medical College

Research Focus: Dr. Wasterlain's research centers on the pathophysiology and treatment of status epilepticus, with emphasis on developmental epileptogenesis, neuronal injury mechanisms, and neuroprotective strategies. His work explores excitotoxicity, receptor trafficking, and programmed cell death in epilepsy models. Recent investigations focus on synergistic drug therapies targeting GABA and glutamate systems, hypothermia neuroprotection, and the impact of seizures on immature brain development.

Publication Trends: Analysis of the 15 most recent articles reveals a dominant focus on experimental models of status epilepticus, particularly in developing brains. Key themes include pharmacoresistance mechanisms, combinatorial anticonvulsant therapies (e.g., midazolam-ketamine), neuroprotective interventions (e.g., hypothermia), and molecular pathways of seizure-induced neuronal injury. The work demonstrates translational integration of neuropharmacology, cellular neuroscience, and therapeutic innovation.

Honors and Awards:

• Pierre Gloor Award, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (2006)
• Distinguished Professor of Neurology, UCLA (2005)
• Ambassador for Epilepsy Award, ILAE (2003)
• American Epilepsy Society-Milken Award (1992)
• NIH Research Career Development Award (1973-1976)
• L.Sc. Summa Cum Laude (1969)
• M.D. with Distinction (1961)

Laboratory and Collaborations: Leads an active research team at the West Los Angeles VA investigating status epilepticus mechanisms. Key collaborators include Jerome Niquet and Krista Thompson, with research spanning neuropharmacology, molecular biology, and translational epilepsy models. The lab specializes in developing combination therapies for refractory seizures and neuroprotection strategies.