Marvel actor Evangeline Lilly revealed that she was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury months after a fall in Hawaii. The “Ant-Man and the Wasp” star said scans showed that nearly all areas of her brain were functioning at a reduced capacity. Lilly shared the news in an Instagram video, explaining that the diagnosis clarified symptoms she had previously attributed to perimenopause. She described it as “comforting” to finally understand the cause of her cognitive changes. The next step, Lilly said, is to work with doctors to improve her brain function. She reflected on how the injury forced her to slow down and find rest after a hectic period in her life. “My cognitive decline since I smashed my face open has helped me to slow down and helped me to have a more restful finish to my 2025,” Lilly said. She added that it was possibly the calmest Christmas she had experienced since having children 14 years ago. The injury occurred in May when Lilly fainted at the beach and fell face-first into a boulder. She wrote about the incident in a Substack essay at the time, saying she went to the hospital immediately. Initial tests did not show any serious damage, and medical staff focused on discovering the cause of her blackout rather than the injury to her face. Lilly shared that she has had fainting spells since childhood. Doctors once tested her for epilepsy but later suggested hypoglycemia without proper testing. Hypoglycemia was ruled out later in life, but the cause of her fainting remained unexplained. She said these episodes would likely stay an “unknown” in her life. Despite the seriousness of the fall, Lilly said it gave her an unexpected opportunity to pause. “It might seem crazy looking at my face and my busted tooth, but I feel so grateful that I blacked out,” she wrote. “I needed the reset.” The actor also spoke about how the injury has helped her find a slower pace in life. After years of busy work on Marvel films and other projects, she noted that the enforced rest allowed her to end the year on a calmer note. Lilly said the experience showed her that slowing down could be beneficial both mentally and physically. The brain injury diagnosis has prompted Lilly to start working on rehabilitation with medical professionals. She emphasized that she hopes to regain her cognitive function and continue her career without long-term limitations. Fans and followers responded with support and encouragement after Lilly shared her diagnosis. Many praised her honesty about her experience and admired her positive outlook despite the challenges. Her story also highlighted the importance of paying attention to brain health and seeking professional guidance after head injuries. Lilly’s openness comes amid growing public awareness of traumatic brain injuries, even in seemingly minor incidents. Experts note that falls and blackouts can cause lasting effects that might not be immediately visible in standard hospital tests. Lilly’s case reinforces the need for thorough follow-up care and monitoring after such accidents. The actor’s journey also shows the value of patience and self-care. By taking time to understand her condition and work with doctors, Lilly is setting an example for others who may face similar challenges. She expressed gratitude for the pause the injury forced upon her, turning a frightening incident into an opportunity to reset her health and focus on recovery. As Lilly moves forward, she hopes to continue acting while managing her brain health. She encourages others to take head injuries seriously and to prioritize well-being over busy schedules.