Objective: To estimate the incidence of essential tremor (ET)-in three populations in central Spain using data from the Neurologic Disorders in Central Spain (NEDICES), a population-based survey of elderly subjects (65 years and older). Methods: Individuals were evaluated at baseline (1994 to 1995) and at follow-up (a median of 3.3 years later in 1997 to 1998). The evaluation included a scree ning question for ET and a neurologic examination, when possible.Results: Of 5,2 78 subjects evaluated at baseline, there were 256 prevalent ET cases. Eighty-th ree incident ET cases were identified among 3,942 individuals assessed at follow -up. The adjusted annual incidence rate (per 100,000 person-years) in the popu lation aged 65 years and older was 616 (95%CI: 447 to 784). Sixty-four (77.1%) of 83 incident cases had not been diagnosed before our assessment. Conclusions : The incidence of ET may be higher than previously recognized because a large p roportion of patients with ET may never seek medical attention.
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