Debby Ryan reveals life-altering brain injury and sensory struggles

Actress Debby Ryan has revealed that she suffered a “life-altering brain injury” several years ago, following a history of five concussions. During an appearance on Mythical Kitchen’s “Last Meals,” the former Disney Channel star explained that while her first four concussions resulted from isolated incidents, the fifth was caused by “sustained shaking over a minute of time.”

The injury left Ryan out of commission for six months and required an additional six months of neurological rehabilitation. She described the experience as dividing her life into “pre-incident Debby and post-incident Debby,” noting that while she has recovered some functions through what she called “fringe science treatment,” certain cognitive and sensory aspects have not fully returned.

Ryan, who identifies as a “migraine warrior,” continues to struggle with chronic, “hellish” migraines and extreme sensory overload. She noted that the world often feels “too loud” and “too bright,” making it difficult to process visual and auditory data. To manage these symptoms and think more clearly, she often finds it necessary to close her eyes to reduce stimulation. She credited her support system, including her husband Josh Dun, for helping her navigate this permanent change in her life.