"Plok-plok" syndrome: post-traumatic stress disorder following an SEEG-thermocoagulation and direct electrical stimulation procedure.

The psychological impact of intracerebral electroencephalography (stereoelectroencephalography [SEEG]) including the thermocoagulation procedure has not yet been clearly studied. We present a case of a patient who, following an SEEG procedure for presurgical evaluation of intractable focal epilepsy, developed severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Such an occurrence may be under-estimated. Perceived traumatic exposure during SEEG and the development of post-traumatic psychological symptoms should be further studied in order to define risk factors and to improve the monitoring and psychological management of patients during their hospitalization. A careful and systematic procedure of prevention and support before, during and after SEEG could decrease the risk of development or worsening of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.