Epidemiology

This is one of the most common movement disorders worldwide. Prevalence and incidence increase with age; more than 50% of patients are aged >70 years.[6][13]​​​ However, the condition can appear in early adulthood in those who have a family history of essential tremor (ET).[14]

One meta-analysis of 42 population-based prevalence studies in 23 countries revealed an overall prevalence of 1.33% (95% CI 0.88% to 2.02%) across all ages and a prevalence of 5.79% in those aged 65 years or older.[15]​

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.[16][17][18][19]​​ A 45-year study of ET in Rochester, Minnesota reported an annual incidence of 24 per 100,000 population across all age groups.[19] More than 50% of cases are patients >70 years of age.[6]

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