Charlotte Chilton, known for her appearance on The Traitors, is currently hospitalized due to a severe and complex case of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The condition, which causes episodes of electric shock-like pain in the face, has led Chilton to describe her current experience as "screaming and rocking in pain."
Chilton, 35, shared her health update from her hospital bed, explaining that she is out of remission and experiencing agonizing pain that requires strong medication. She noted that her version of the disorder is particularly severe and complex, requiring collaboration with specialists nationwide. The pain has made eating and drinking difficult, and she has been unable to see her young daughter frequently due to the distress the situation causes the child.
Trigeminal neuralgia, as described by the NHS, typically involves short, intense pain attacks triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, talking, or even a cool breeze. For Chilton, these episodes have been debilitating, leading to her hospitalization for management and treatment.
This recent hospitalization follows a series of health challenges. Six months prior, Chilton underwent life-saving brain surgery. In January, she suffered a seizure that left her temporarily unable to walk, which doctors suspected was related to new medication following her surgery. The month before that, she experienced a severe TN attack that led to her neurosurgery.
Chilton stated her intention to raise awareness for trigeminal neuralgia, describing it as a "terrible condition" that is often "underfunded" and poorly understood by medical professionals. She highlighted that it is a "disability that you cannot see" and expressed a desire to drive change and support for sufferers, particularly those experiencing mental health crises due to the chronic pain. She praised the staff on the neurology ward for their care.
Trigeminal neuralgia is sometimes referred to as the "suicide disease" due to the severe impact its chronic pain can have on a person's mental health. Chilton hopes that by sharing her experience, she can help improve understanding and treatment for others living with the condition.