Which demographic is most commonly affected by trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia primarily affects older women, particularly those over the age of 50. This condition, characterized by intense facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve, tends to be more prevalent in this demographic cohort due to age-related changes in the nervous system and an increased likelihood of vascular compression on the nerve.

Statistically, the condition is more common in women than in men, reflecting potential hormonal or biological differences in pain perception and nerve integrity. Understanding this demographic trend helps clinicians identify at-risk patients and tailor management strategies accordingly, which may include medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgical options if conservative treatments fail.