Prof. José M. Serratosa
About José
José M. Serratosa is a epileptologist and neurologist in Madrid. He obtained his Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from the Autonomous University of Madrid . After completing his residency at the Neurology Service of the Puerta de Hierro Clinic , he trained in epilepsy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Subsequently, he was appointed Associate Researcher in the Department of Neurology at the UCLA School of Medicine.
José has a strong scientific interest in the characterisation of epileptic seizures, surgical treatment of epilepsies, genetics of epilepsies, progressive myoclonic epilepsies (including Lafora disease), neuroimaging studies in epilepsies and mechanisms of resistance to anti-seizure medications and the development of adverse effects to them.
José has published numerous articles in international journals and has contributed chapters to specialised books. He has also served as Associate Editor of the journal Epilepsia , published by the International League Against Epilepsy , and is on the editorial board of the journals Seizure and Epilepsy Research . He is also a member of the Genetics Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy.
In 1995, José joined the Neurology Service of the Jiménez Díaz Foundation , where he established the Epilepsy Unit and continues to carry out his clinical, teaching and research work. Since 1995 he has directed the Epilepsy Genetics Neurology Laboratory.
José discovered the locus of the first gene for Lafora Disease and was the co-discoverer of the EPM2A gene; one of the two genes where mutations are found in Lafora Disease.
In 2025, Jose was the winner of the ILAE Ambassador for Epilepsy Award.
Areas of focus
clinical and molecular genetics
epileptic encephalopathies
gene therapies
Links
Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz | Ambassador for Epilepsy Award 2025 | Orcid | ResearchGate
Episodes
The Epilepsy Risks Nobody Used to Talk About
02 Nov 2026
In this episode we hear from epileptologist Dr José Serratosa about the many causes of epilepsy, why early diagnosis and treatment are so important, and how surgery could sometimes be offered after just one seizure(!). We also explore advances in genetics and precision medicine, the possibility of preventing epilepsy before seizures even begin, and how better organisation and AI could improve epilepsy care worldwide.
🎬 YouTube 🎧 Podcast 📄Transcript
Using Viral Vectors To Stop Epilepsy
03 Oct 2024
In this episode we hear how people with an epilepsy might be nervous about getting "gene therapy" - but epileptologist José M Serratosa is asked if he would get gene therapy and why(!), explains the use of viral vectors for treating genetic epilepsies, where we are in preclinical development, what is next, and what is also holding us back.
🎬 YouTube 🎧 Podcast
Gene Therapy: A Promising Approach for The Epilepsies?
26 Sep 2024
In this episode we hear of what the future for epilepsy treatments may hold. Epileptologist José M Serratosa shares his predictions for epilepsy gene therapies; highlighting the importance of addressing all symptoms - including cognitive, motor, and psychiatric - as well as the seizures. Jose explains the role of viral vectors and how they may save people’s lives.
🎬 YouTube 🎧 Podcast
Ultra-Rare Epilepsy: Lafora Disease
5-Oct-2023
In this episode we hear of the ultra-rare, devastating, terminal epilepsy Lafora Disease, and the research taking place to hopefully improve and save the lives of the children affected. With lead epileptologist and researcher José Serratosa of the Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.