Compulsive gambler is 'cured' by brain surgery

A compulsive gambler who lost thousands on fruit machines has undergone radical brain surgery to cure his addiction.

Raymond Mandale, 58, took the drastic decision after losing more than £10,000 at his local bingo hall in a single year.

During a six-hour operation which cost £30,000 surgeons fitted a "neuro stimulator" to Mr Mandale's brain.



The battery-operated device is then used to send electrical pulses to "reset" the area that stimulates the desire to gamble.

Normally used to treat patients with Parkinson's Disease, new research has shown it can also benefit those with addictive personalities.

Mr Mandale, of Workington, Cumbria, claims it was side effects from drugs he was given to treat the effects of Parkinson's that caused him to start gambling in the first place. The surgery, which was paid for by the NHS, is now Mr Mandale's last hope of beating his addiction.