Evangeline Lilly has shared a sobering health update months after suffering a concussion. The actress says new scans show decreased function across much of her brain.
The 46-year-old Lost and Marvel star posted the update on Instagram on January 2. In a video message, Lilly told followers that doctors confirmed she has brain damage following a traumatic brain injury she suffered in May.
She explained that the injury happened after she fainted at a beach and fell face first into a boulder.
Scan Results Show Widespread Impact
Lilly said the results of her brain scans brought difficult news. According to doctors, “almost every area” of her brain is now functioning at a reduced capacity.
“So I do have brain damage from the TBI,” she said in the video. She added that there may be other contributing factors still being investigated.
The actress said many fans had asked about her condition and the scans. She wanted to share the results openly as part of her healing journey.
Facing Recovery and a Slower Life
Looking ahead, Lilly said her focus is now on understanding the full extent of the damage. She plans to work closely with doctors to address it.
She admitted the recovery process feels daunting. “Hard work is all I do,” she joked, before adding that she is ready to face it.
Lilly said the injury has forced her to slow down. She believes the cognitive changes have helped her end 2025 in a more restful way.
Despite the diagnosis, she said she feels “extraordinarily grateful” and “blessed.”
Support From Fans and Fellow Actors
In the caption, Lilly wrote that it was oddly comforting to have answers. She said it helped confirm that her symptoms were not caused by perimenopause.
“Verdict’s in,” she wrote. “I do have brain damage from my TBI. Comforting to know why I’m struggling. Discomforting to know how hard it will be to reverse.”
The post drew an outpouring of support. Michelle Pfeiffer, her Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania co-star, called her a warrior. Alyssa Milano also shared messages of encouragement.
How the Injury Happened
Lilly first spoke about the accident in May through a Substack post. She revealed she fainted while at the beach, something she says has happened to her since childhood.
She shared photos of her injuries at the time, including facial wounds and a damaged tooth.
Even then, she expressed gratitude. “I needed the reset,” she wrote, despite the pain.
Lilly announced her step away from acting last year, shortly after revealing the concussion. She continues to document her recovery while focusing on her health and well-being.
Featured image credit: ABC & Evangeline Lilly/Instagram
