Does SAINT® TMS Require Anesthesia?
No. SAINT® TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation. Patients are awake and alert throughout every session. This is one of the main differences between SAINT® (and TMS generally) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which requires general anesthesia and induces a controlled seizure. Because no anesthesia is used, SAINT® patients can generally drive themselves to and from the clinic each day and do not need an escort home.
Key takeaways
- SAINT® does not require anesthesia or sedation.
- Patients are awake and alert throughout every session.
- This is a key difference from ECT, which requires general anesthesia.
- Patients can generally drive themselves to and from treatment.
- No recovery period or escort is required after sessions.
SAINT® Is Delivered While You Are Awake
SAINT® TMS is delivered while the patient is fully awake and alert. An electromagnetic coil is placed on the scalp, and magnetic pulses stimulate a specific brain region. No anesthesia, sedation, or pain medication is used. Patients can communicate with the treatment team throughout each session.
Each session lasts about 10 minutes. Patients sit in a treatment chair and wear hearing protection because the coil is loud. After each session, there is a roughly 50-minute break before the next one.
How This Differs from ECT
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a different treatment that requires general anesthesia and induces a controlled seizure. ECT is performed in a hospital, requires a recovery period after each session, and patients need an escort home. ECT can also be associated with memory side effects.
SAINT® and TMS generally do not require anesthesia, do not induce a seizure, and do not require a recovery period or escort. This is why they can be delivered in an outpatient clinic rather than a hospital.
Practical Implications
Because no anesthesia is used, SAINT® patients can:
- Drive themselves to and from the clinic each day.
- Return to normal activities after each session.
- Work, read, or rest during the 50-minute breaks between sessions.
- Avoid the risks associated with anesthesia.
- Complete treatment in an outpatient setting without hospitalization.
What This Means for Patients
The fact that SAINT® does not require anesthesia makes it more accessible and less invasive than ECT. Patients do not need to arrange for someone to drive them home, do not face anesthesia risks, and can maintain their normal routine during the treatment week (aside from being at the clinic for most of each day).
If you are comparing SAINT® to ECT, the absence of anesthesia is one of the most significant practical differences. A psychiatric evaluation can help determine which treatment is appropriate for your situation.
Learn what SAINT® feels like · Learn more about SAINT® at Neuro Wellness · Request a consultation or call 954-827-9793.
Understanding SAINT® TMS: How It Works & What to Expect
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. These videos explain how it works and how it differs from conventional TMS.
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided form of TMS developed at Stanford. Most patients complete treatment in one week — not the six weeks standard TMS requires.
Follow a real patient through the five-day SAINT® treatment week
Is SAINT® TMS Right for You?
Tried antidepressants without enough relief? SAINT® TMS is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved enough with antidepressant medication.
SAINT® uses a personalized brain target and delivers treatment over five consecutive days. It differs from standard TMS in its targeting approach, treatment schedule, and research background. In a small randomized trial, 11 of 14 people receiving active treatment reached remission at the four-week assessment, compared with 2 of 15 receiving sham treatment. Results vary, and a five-day treatment course does not guarantee remission in five days.
How SAINT® Works and How It Differs From Conventional TMS
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. This video explains how it works, and how it differs from conventional TMS.
Conventional TMS usually means about 30 visits over 6 to 9 weeks. SAINT is five visits over five days.
What makes it different: SAINT is the only FDA-cleared depression treatment that uses an fMRI scan to personalize the stimulation target to your individual brain. A 45-minute scan maps your brain and identifies the specific circuit linked to depression. Treatment is then delivered as ten 10-minute sessions per day, with 50-minute breaks between them, across five consecutive days.
In clinical trials, 79% of participants reached remission, with an average of 2.6 days to remission. SAINT is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects reported were mild headache and temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site.
SAINT® at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America
Coral Springs, Florida
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Sources: Cole et al., American Journal of Psychiatry 2020;177:716-726 and 2022;179(2):132-141. magnusmedical.com/depression-therapy. PubMed 34711062. FDA 510(k) K220177.
Insurance coverage for SAINT is currently limited and varies by plan. Individual results may vary. This video is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about whether SAINT is appropriate for you. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SAINT® TMS require anesthesia?
No. SAINT® does not require anesthesia or sedation. Patients are awake and alert throughout every session. This is a key difference from ECT, which requires general anesthesia. Because no anesthesia is used, patients can generally drive themselves to and from the clinic.
Does SAINT® require medication?
SAINT® itself is a medication-free treatment — it uses magnetic stimulation, not drugs. However, some patients continue an antidepressant during or after SAINT® as part of a maintenance plan. Whether medication is involved beyond SAINT® itself is a clinical decision made with a psychiatrist.
Can I drive after SAINT® treatment?
Yes. Because SAINT® does not involve anesthesia or sedation and does not impair alertness, patients can generally drive themselves to and from the clinic each day. If you experience a side effect that affects your ability to drive, such as a significant headache, tell the treatment team.
Do I need to be hospitalized for SAINT®?
No. SAINT® is delivered in an outpatient clinic. There is no overnight stay, no operating room, and no recovery period requiring medical observation. Neuro Wellness provides SAINT® in a private outpatient setting in Coral Springs, Florida.
Is SAINT® the same as ECT?
No. SAINT® is a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation treatment delivered while the patient is awake, with no anesthesia. ECT uses electrical current to induce a controlled seizure under general anesthesia in a hospital. Both are legitimate treatments, but they differ significantly in setting, invasiveness, and recovery.
Cited Research
SAINT® is delivered only by verified providers on the Magnus Medical system. Programs described as SAINT “alternatives”, “equivalents” or “fMRI-guided accelerated TMS” are not SAINT®, are not affiliated with us, and SAINT® results do not apply to them. Read our SAINT® disclaimer.
Have questions about whether TMS may be appropriate for you?
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
Related Patient Education
SAINT® Accelerated TMS
The 5-day, fMRI-guided protocol offered at our clinic
What Is SAINT® TMS?
FDA clearance, protocol, and evidence
Find a Verified SAINT® Provider
How to verify a SAINT® provider
What Happens During SAINT®
Day-by-day guide to the five-day protocol
SAINT® vs Traditional TMS
How SAINT compares to standard TMS
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