> At a Glance
> – Evangeline Lilly shared on Jan. 2 that scans confirm “almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity”
> – The 46-year-old actress fainted at the beach in May 2025, falling face-first into a boulder and sustaining a traumatic brain injury
> – She retired from acting last year; the cognitive decline has forced her to slow down
> – Why it matters: Lilly’s public update spotlights long-term concussion effects and may encourage others to seek follow-up care
In a candid Instagram video, Evangeline Lilly told followers she is starting the Year of the Horse with sobering medical news: recent brain scans show damage caused by the concussion she suffered eight months ago.
The Diagnosis
Lilly, best known for Lost and Marvel’s Ant-Man films, said specialists found “almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity.” She added the injury-along with “possibly other factors”-has left measurable deficits.
> “So I do have brain damage from the TBI,” Lilly stated, calling the findings both “comforting and discomforting” because they validate her symptoms while revealing the uphill road to recovery.
The actress, who quit acting last year, told fans she will work with doctors to “get to the bottom of that… and then embark on the hard work of fixing it.”
What Happened in May
- Date: May 2025
- Incident: Fainted on the beach and struck a boulder face-first
- Injury: Concussion, broken tooth, facial trauma
- Aftermath: Required stitches and dental repair
Lilly has fainted since childhood; she previously called the blackout “a reset” and expressed gratitude despite her injuries.
Support and Next Steps
Michelle Pfeiffer wrote, “You are a warrior. Nothing-not even this-will defeat you.” Alyssa Milano added, “Thinking about you.”
Lilly says the cognitive decline has forced her to slow down, making her “more restful” as 2025 closes. In her caption she thanked followers for prayers and noted she’s relieved the symptoms aren’t solely from perimenopause.
Key Takeaways
- Brain scans confirm widespread functional decline after Lilly’s May concussion
- She plans intensive therapy to try reversing the deficits
- Public reaction from co-stars and fans has been overwhelmingly supportive
- Lilly’s openness highlights the lasting impact of even a single traumatic brain injury
