VOLUME 29, ISSUE 4 • DECEMBER 2025.

International faculty share insights at the XV Symposium on Movement Disorders of the Colombian Neurology Society (ACN)

The XV Symposium on Movement Disorders of the Colombian Neurology Society (ACN) was in Santa Marta on August 29-30, 2025, under the coordination of the ACN’s Committee on Movement Disorders. The meeting brought together national and international experts to share recent advances and promote collaboration in the field.

Distinguished international speakers included Drs. Mariana Moscovich, Mandar Jog, and Alberto Espay, whose participation was made possible through the generous support of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS).

The scientific program was structured into seven thematic modules, providing a comprehensive update on recent developments in movement disorders.

The first module reviewed the most relevant articles published over the past year. The second explored the physiology of deep brain stimulation (DBS), its application in tremor, and the use of botulinum toxin for its treatment. The third focused on the new classification and genetics of dystonia, concluding with an overview of botulinum toxin therapy for cervical dystonia.

The day ended with the traditional Video Challenge, featuring eight clinical cases selected from 16 submissions. Most were presented by neurology residents, whose high-quality presentations were warmly commended. The three best cases received awards for their excellence.

The second day opened with the talk “James Parkinson” by Dr. Alberto Espay, centered on functional movement disorders, followed by an update on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease. The fifth module featured an “Ask the Expert” session with the participation of the international speakers. Later, Dr. Espay discussed alpha-synuclein as a biomarker of Parkinson’s disease, followed by sessions on initial and advanced treatment strategies. The program concluded with an overview of surgical indications and recent innovations in DBS.

The symposium was attended by approximately 200 participants, including neurologists and neurology residents from across the country.

Dr. Mandar Jog’s sessions on botulinum toxin were particularly praised for their clarity and depth, and Dr. Espay’s lecture on functional movement disorders was one of the most appreciated sessions, reintroducing a topic that had not been addressed in recent editions. Overall, participants valued the scientific level, organization, and quality of discussion throughout the event. Notably, this symposium achieved one of the highest attendance rates among ACN’s specialized courses in recent years, surpassed only by the National Neurology Congress.

While preparing this report, we received the sad news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Omar Buriticá, one of the coordinators of the ACN’s Committee on Movement Disorders. We wish to dedicate these lines to his memory, in recognition of his invaluable contributions, warmth, and dedication to advancing the understanding of movement disorders in Colombia.