Evangeline Lilly has shared a concerning health update, revealing that she has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury after a serious accident in Hawaii. On January 2, 2024, the Ant-Man and the Wasp actress posted on Instagram, detailing her experience after fainting and falling face-first onto a boulder during the incident. The actress confirmed that doctors have diagnosed her with brain damage as a result of the fall.
In a video recorded on January 1, Lilly explained the extent of her condition, stating, “Almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity.” She expressed a mix of relief and concern, noting that understanding her cognitive decline has been a difficult journey. “Comforting to know my cognitive decline isn’t just peri-menopause, discomforting to know what an uphill battle it will be to try to reverse the deficiencies,” she remarked.
Lilly, known for her role in Lost, has a history of unexplained fainting episodes. In a May 30, 2023, essay on Substack, she revealed she has experienced these episodes since childhood. Initially evaluated for epilepsy, she was later diagnosed with hypoglycemia, a diagnosis that she later questioned as further testing showed her glucose levels did not align with that condition.
Despite the severity of her recent accident, Lilly has chosen to focus on her recovery. She emphasized the need to consult with medical professionals to fully understand her injuries. “But now my job is to hit the bottom of that with the doctors and then embark on the hard work of fixing it,” she said, acknowledging the daunting task ahead.
In the wake of her diagnosis, Lilly has made a conscious effort to slow down and prioritize her health. She noted a significant shift in her well-being during the recent holiday season. “I think this was the calmest, most restful Christmas holiday I have had, maybe since I had children. So 14 years ago. So that’s a good thing,” she shared.
Expressing gratitude, Lilly concluded her update with a positive message about life. “Feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to be able to play one more day, one more year on this beautiful living planet,” she said. Her openness about her struggles has resonated with fans and followers, who have shown their support during this challenging time.
As Lilly embarks on her recovery journey, her experience sheds light on the complexities of brain injuries and the importance of addressing health concerns, no matter how overwhelming they may seem.
