Getting older is the biggest risk factor in developing neuralgia. The condition is more common in those over the age of 50. Depending on the type of neuralgia, your sex may be a risk factor as well. Women are more likely to develop trigeminal neuralgia and men are more likely to develop glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Since postherpetic neuralgia only affects people who have had shingles, those who have experienced an outbreak are at higher risk for developing the condition. However, it only affects one out of every ten people who have had shingles--although the risk increases with age. An injury or any condition that causes nerve damage can also increase your risk for neuralgia.
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