Deep brain stimulation (DBS), an innovative technique in neurosurgery, could be the key to treating people suffering from depression and hypertension, researchers at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol believe.

The method works by implanting platinum iridium electrodes into the brain and using a battery-powered neurostimulator to inhibit or activate specific brain areas.

Sheila Cook, the first patient to undergo the treatment, claims that it provided temporary relief from her severe depression before she went on to have more drastic neurosurgery.

Dr Andrea Malizia of Bristol University said: "This lady responded temporarily to two of the complex treatments that we initiated in Bristol, but in the end remission has only been achieved by persisting and moving on to the next advanced treatment."

However, doctors are hopeful that DBS could one day replace some aspects of invasive brain surgery altogether.

The research team at Frenchay Hospital also believe that the treatment method could offer an alternative treatment for controlling high blood pressure.

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