Evangeline Lilly Reveals Brain Damage Following Beach Injury
Evangeline Lilly has received the results of a brain scan following a concussion.
“It’s late on January 1, the first day of 2026, the year of the horse, and I’m entering this new year with some concerning news regarding my concussion,” Lilly, 46, shared in a Friday, January 2, Instagram video. “The scan results are back, and they showed deficits in multiple areas, indicating a reduced level of brain function.”
She continued, “Therefore, I do have brain damage resulting from the traumatic brain injury, and potentially other underlying issues.”
Lilly sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which the Cleveland Clinic defines as a head injury caused by an external force, last year.
Evangeline Lilly Collapsed and Fell Headfirst Into a Rock at the Beach
“Now, my focus is to work with doctors to determine the root cause of this, and then begin the challenging process of recovery,” the actress said on Friday. “I’m not enthusiastic about it, as it feels like constant effort is all I do. However, that’s alright; the decline in my cognitive abilities since I impacted my face has allowed me to slow down and enjoy a more restful 2025.”
According to Lilly, the end of the year was “the most peaceful” holiday season she’s experienced in years.
“That’s a positive thing,” she added. “[I’m] feeling incredibly grateful and fortunate to have the opportunity to live another day, another year on this beautiful planet. That is my concussion update. Thank you all for your concern.”
In the caption of her social media update, Lilly confirmed that she had been seeking medical explanations for her injury for some time.
“It’s reassuring to know my cognitive decline isn’t solely related to perimenopause, but disheartening to realize the difficult journey it will be to attempt to reverse these deficiencies,” Lilly wrote on Friday. “Thank you all for consistently asking about me, for always caring, and for your continued support.”
Celebrity Health Concerns Throughout the Years
As Lilly works towards regaining her health, she has the support of her fellow celebrities.
“You are a strong person,” Michelle Pfeiffer wrote via Instagram comment. “Nothing—not even this—will defeat you, my friend.”
Musician Raiatea Helm, for her part, added, “Dear cousin, sending prayers for you and the medical team. We hope to visit soon! With much love.”
Lilly revealed in May 2025 that she sustained injuries falling “headfirst into a rock.”
“I fainted at the beach, and fell headfirst into a rock,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “At the hospital, the nurses and doctor immediately began working to find the cause of my blackout, rather than focusing on repairing the wound on my face caused by the rock. I smiled wryly at them. ‘You won’t find anything.’ I said with a dazed voice.”
Weeks later, Lilly experienced a setback in her recovery process.
“Today, my concussion worsened. I had been up and about for over a week, but I pushed myself too hard this weekend,” she wrote in a June 14, 2025, social media update. “I did too much physical work in the intense Hawaiian heat. 🥵Too much overall for someone recovering from a significant head injury. So, it’s back to bed rest for a few days.”
