New TMS Research on SAINT Protocol
In 2026, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is being urgently studied for accelerated,
fMRI-guided, and personalized protocols, notably the 1-day SAINT protocol for depression.
Emerging research targets Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, eating disorders, and substance addiction,
moving toward personalized neuroimaging and accelerated treatments. The following are some
key new areas of study in 2026.
Accelerated TMS protocols: Research shows that compressing weeks of treatment into one day
(e.g., SAINT – Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) is highly effective for
treatment-resistant depression. Precision/personalized medicine: Using fMRI imaging to map a patient’s specific brain network, allowing doctors to tailor TMS targeting for better results in depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The following study focuses on treating these neurological conditions:
− Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, focusing on maintaining and improving cognitive
function.
− Parkinson’s disease, targeting motor symptoms and cognitive impairment.
− Stroke complications to rehabilitate cognitive and physical deficits.
− Essential tremor to address involuntary movement.
− Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia nervosa, targeting areas involved in impulse
control and mood.
− Substance use disorder for research into addiction treatment.
− PTSD and bipolar disorder to explore specialized stimulation patterns.
− Chronic pain and tinnitus, investigating TMS to reduce tinnitus and alleviate chronic
pain.
Theta-Burst Stimulation (iTBS) is a key advancement in technology. ITBS is a:aster, effective
form of TMS that reduces session times from 37 minutes to just a few minutes. Closed-loop
systems provide real-time monitoring of brain activity to adjust stimulation quickly as needed.
The FDA has recently cleared gentle forms of at-home brain stimulation (tDCS) for depression,
which is accelerating research into at-home “second-generation” devices, as reported by The
New York Times and Dr. Brunoni.
Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) is a rapid-acting, non-
invasive outpatient treatment for treatment-resistant depression. It uses fMRI-guided targeting
to deliver high-dose, accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) over five days. This
personalized approach boasts high remission rates, often exceeding 70-90% in studies, by
“resetting” abnormal brain signals.
The following are some key aspects of SAINT:
− The protocol uses functional MRI (fMRI) to locate the precise area of the dorsolateral
prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) that is underactive and connects to the subgenual cingulate. It
then applies 1,800 pulses of iTBS, delivering a high dosage compared to standard TMS.
− Instead of a six-week course, SAINT compresses therapy into 10-minute sessions,
repeated 10 times daily for 5 consecutive days.
− In trials, 86.4% to 90.5% of participants with treatment-resistant depression met
remission criteria shortly after treatment. Studies also show durable benefits for some
patients at 12 weeks post-treatment.
− SAINT is an outpatient procedure allowing patients to engage in normal activities
between sessions. It is generally well-tolerated, with no negative impacts on cognition.
− SAINT has received FDA clearance for treating depression.
These are some important differences from standard TMS:
− Personalized fMRI targeting vs. standardized measurement.
− The duration is 5 days versus 6-7 weeks.
− Higher doses in a condensed time frame.
SAINT is currently offered at specific academic medical centers. Check out clinics in your area to
get to know your options. Talk to us about TMS by writing to us on our website or call us at
(585) 442-6960.
