Which demographic does trigeminal neuralgia most commonly begin affecting?

Trigeminal neuralgia most commonly affects individuals after the age of 50. This condition typically manifests with sudden, severe facial pain that follows the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, and it is often associated with age-related changes such as vascular compression of the nerve or multiple sclerosis in younger individuals. The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia significantly increases with age, making those over 50 the group most frequently diagnosed with this condition.

It's important to note that while trigeminal neuralgia can occur in younger individuals, its onset is much less common before the age of 50. This age-related pattern highlights the importance of considering demographic factors when diagnosing and managing this painful condition.