What Does SAINT® TMS Feel Like?
Most patients describe SAINT® TMS as a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp during the magnetic pulses. The treatment is delivered while the patient is awake, with no anesthesia or sedation. Headache and scalp discomfort are the most common side effects and usually lessen over the first day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief is often enough to manage any discomfort.
Key takeaways
- SAINT® feels like tapping or knocking on the scalp during pulses.
- Patients are awake and alert — no anesthesia or sedation is used.
- Headache and scalp discomfort are the most common side effects.
- Discomfort usually lessens over the first day or two.
- Facial muscle twitching may occur during stimulation.
The Sensation During Treatment
During each SAINT® session, the electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp over the targeted brain region. When the magnetic pulses fire, most patients feel a tapping, knocking, or pulsing sensation on the scalp. The coil makes a clicking sound, and hearing protection is worn throughout the session.
The sensation can be surprising at first but most patients adjust within the first few sessions. The intensity can be adjusted by the treatment team if the sensation is too intense. Each session lasts about ten minutes, followed by a roughly 50-minute break.
Common Sensations and Side Effects
The most commonly reported sensations and side effects include scalp discomfort at the treatment site, headache, and facial muscle twitching during stimulation. These effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to decrease over the first day or two of treatment.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often sufficient for headaches. The treatment team can adjust the coil position or stimulation intensity if discomfort persists. Serious side effects are rare.
What Happens Between Sessions
Between the ten daily sessions, patients have roughly 50-minute breaks. During these breaks, most patients read, work on a laptop, rest, or talk with family. The clinic provides a comfortable environment. Patients remain awake and alert throughout the day and can eat, drink, and move around normally during breaks.
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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Call or Text: 954-827-9793
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 hurt?
Most people do not describe SAINT® as painful. The most common sensation is a tapping or knocking on the scalp during the magnetic pulses. Headache and scalp discomfort are the most frequently reported side effects, usually mild to moderate, and typically lessen over the first day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief is often sufficient.
What does SAINT feel like during a session?
You will feel a tapping, knocking, or pulsing sensation on the scalp where the coil is positioned. The coil makes a clicking sound, and hearing protection is worn. Facial muscles may twitch during stimulation. Each session lasts about 10 minutes, and you remain awake and alert throughout.
Can the stimulation intensity be adjusted?
Yes. If the sensation is too intense or uncomfortable, the treatment team can adjust the coil position or the stimulation intensity. The motor threshold — the minimum intensity that causes a visible thumb twitch — is determined at the start of treatment, and the treatment intensity is set relative to that threshold.
Will I feel anything between sessions?
Most patients feel normal between sessions. Some may have a mild headache or scalp tenderness that persists between sessions, but this usually decreases over the first day or two. The 50-minute breaks are designed for rest, and most patients read, work, or relax during them.
Is SAINT painful compared to regular TMS?
The sensation is similar to conventional TMS — both use magnetic pulses that produce a tapping feeling on the scalp. The THREE-D trial found that theta burst stimulation (used in SAINT®) was rated slightly more painful than 10 Hz stimulation, but the difference was small and did not affect treatment completion.
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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