Evangeline Lilly says she spent “a lot of money” treating traumatic brain injury

Evangeline Lilly reveals she invested heavily in treatment after brain injury

Evangeline Lilly has opened up about the extensive and costly efforts she has undertaken to recover from a traumatic brain injury, revealing that she has spent a significant amount of money seeking specialized care after a serious accident last year.

In a video shared on Instagram over the weekend, the Lost and Ant-Man and the Wasp star detailed her ongoing recovery following a fall in May, when she fainted at a beach and struck her face on a boulder. Doctors later diagnosed her with a concussion and traumatic brain injury, which she says has affected her cognitive function.

“I have spent a lot of money getting evaluated and getting targeted, expert advice on how to heal my brain,” Lilly said in the video, emphasizing that the treatment plan was tailored specifically to her needs. She added that she recognizes not everyone has the financial means to pursue similar care and made clear that she is not a medical professional.

Lilly explained that she decided to share parts of her journey because of what she described as limited access to affordable medical care. While outlining the advice she received from specialists, she stressed that her experience may not apply to others and that she is not recommending any specific treatments or products.

The actress also discussed a supplement regimen suggested by a specialist she consulted in Hawaii, which she said was intended to address what she described as current “deficiencies” in her brain. She noted that she takes supplements only temporarily and on an as-needed basis, rather than as a permanent routine.

Earlier this month, Lilly disclosed that medical scans revealed reduced brain function following the injury. In a candid post shared on New Year’s Day, she said the results confirmed that she had sustained brain damage, describing the diagnosis as both validating and daunting.

The injury occurred nearly seven months after Lilly posted photos showing severe facial injuries from the fall, explaining at the time that she had lost consciousness before hitting the rock. She said medical staff focused on determining the cause of her blackout while also treating her injuries.

Lilly, who rose to fame as Kate Austen on Lost and later became a fixture of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has recently stepped away from acting. Last year, she announced she was leaving Hollywood to pursue a quieter life, saying the decision brought her a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Though she has not ruled out a future return to acting, Lilly said her current focus remains on healing and regaining her health, describing the end of 2025 as the most restful period she has experienced in years.