Epidemiology

This is one of the most common movement disorders worldwide. Prevalence and incidence increase with age, but the condition can appear in early adulthood in those who have a family history of essential tremor (ET).[14]

A meta-analysis of 28 population-based prevalence studies revealed an overall prevalence of 0.9% (95% CI 0.5% to 1.5%) across all ages.[15] In those aged 60 years and older, the prevalence has been estimated to range from 1.3% to 5%.[16] US prevalence estimates range from 0.3% (all ages) to 3.9% (>65 years of age), and seem to be greater in Americans with white ancestry than in those with black ancestry.[17][18][19][20] A 45-year study of ET in Rochester, Minnesota reported an annual incidence of 24 per 100,000 population across all age groups.[20] More than 50% of cases are patients >70 years of age.[6]

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