Ant-Man Star Evangeline Lilly Reveals "Severe" Brain Damage Months After Fainting Accident

Evangeline Lilly, known for Ant-Man and the Wasp and Lost, has revealed a serious health update. In a video on January 2, 2026, she shared that brain scans show she has brain damage following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This injury happened in May 2025, when she fainted on a beach in Hawaii and fell face-first onto a boulder, suffering a concussion and injuries to her head and face. 

Recent medical imaging shows that almost every area of her brain is functioning at a decreased capacity, meaning many cognitive functions are impacted. She says recovery will be hard and requires close work with doctors.

How the Accident Occurred

 

 

 

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A post shared by Evangeline Lilly (@evangelinelillyofficial)

Taking to Instagram, Evangeline Lilly posted a video update that left many fans concerned but inspired by her resilience. It happened when she experienced an unexplained fainting spell while walking on the beach. She blacked out and hit her head on a rock, causing immediate visible facial injuries and later leading to symptoms that persisted for months.

The Ant-Man actress stated that the results from her brain scans were "bad news," revealing that almost every area of her brain is functioning at a decreased capacity. In her typical conversational and transparent style, she admitted that the diagnosis provided a strange sense of relief.

"Comforting to know my cognitive decline isn't just perimenopause," she wrote in her caption, "but discomforting to know what an uphill battle it will be to try to reverse the deficiencies." Despite the "severe" nature of the damage, Lilly mentioned that the injury has forced her to slow down, leading to the most restful holiday season she has had in 14 years.

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Understanding the Impact of TBI and Cognitive Decline

Traumatic Brain Injuries can have a "snowball effect" on the brain's ability to process information. Even a single fall can lead to long-term issues with memory, focus, and emotional regulation.

A study published in The Lancet Neurology highlights that even "mild" concussions can lead to long-term brain functional changes in up to 50% of patients. The research emphasises that TBIs are not just "events" but can be chronic conditions that require years of cognitive rehabilitation and monitoring.

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Conclusion

Evangeline Lilly’s journey is a powerful reminder that invisible injuries are often the hardest to heal. By sharing her "concussion update" so publicly, she is shedding light on the reality of TBIs and the frustrations of living without a clear medical diagnosis for chronic symptoms. Her focus now shifts to the "hard work" of rehabilitation, supported by a community of fans and fellow actors who see her as a real-life warrior.