The crippled brain that prolonged the Civil War: General Joseph Hooker’s concussions at Chancellorsville

• Published in: Neurosurgical focus Vol. 53; no. 3; p. E4
• Main Authors: Pait, T. Glenn, Helton, Matthew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2022
• ISSN: 1092-0684; 1092-0684
• DOI: 10.3171/2022.6.FOCUS22210

President Lincoln appointed General Joseph Hooker to command the Army of the Potomac in January 1863. In April 1863, Hooker had 130,000 men compared to the Confederate Army’s 60,000. The Union forces had more food, clothing, and ammunition. On a decisive day of the Chancellorsville campaign, as Hooker stood on his headquarters porch, a cannonball struck the pillar against which he was leaning. He was hurled to the floor, stunned and senseless. Unconsciousness followed a lucid interval, requiring rest, when another cannonball struck near him. Half of the army was not thrust into battle, resulting in retreat, because Hooker was not capable of commanding. Hooker’s army missed the opportune time to attack; the order was never received because Hooker suffered a traumatic brain injury. Under current military protocol, Hooker would not be allowed to return to participation. During this crucial period a reporter stated, “the precious hour passed, while our army was without a head.” The Chancellorsville campaign resulted in Union retreat. Hooker’s disabling traumatic brain injury prevented him from giving orders and changing the battle’s outcome. Had the general not sustained a concussion, the Civil War probably would have ended earlier.