SAINT TMS Pasadena is a TMS protocol that uses intermittent theta burst stimulation to address treatment-resistant depression. According to a recent study, Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy, or SAINT, is showing promising results. Here are a few ways SAINT TMS differs from rTMS and other TMS therapies.
Types of SoCal TMS
TMS and its various treatment modalities have evolved over the years. In 1985, Anthony Barker introduced the first modern Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device. The technology eventually led to the development of rTMS, dTMS Pasadena, and protocols for different psychiatric conditions such as depression.
rTMS
rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses a figure-8 treatment coil that sends magnetic pulses through the brain to stimulate neural activity in the prefrontal cortex and other areas.
It has been used when antidepressant medications fail to help people with depression symptoms. rTMS can be used in conjunction with medication or alone. Individual treatments usually last for 30-45 minutes, and the course requires roughly six weeks of sessions.
dTMS
dTMS (Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a step above rTMS. Rather than the figure-8 coil, Brainsway dTMS has a new H-Coil that can reach deeper into the brain with a broader range. dTMS Pasadena is easier to target and reduces errors.
The Star Study shows that dTMS is highly effective at treating depression, with patients having a 67 percent remission rate compared to the 44 percent of patients who used rTMS. Sessions typically last for 20-30 minutes, and the entire course of therapy requires weeks to complete.
SAINT TMS Pasadena
SAINT TMS was studied in 2020 at Stanford. In the Stanford study, the intermittent theta burst stimulation sessions, iTBS, lasted five minutes, and treatments could be complete as quickly as five days from the first session. The short treatment times and a success rate near 80 percent make SAINT TMS a promising protocol for Major Depressive Disorder and suicidal ideation.
BrainsWay’s Theta Burst™ are intermittent theta burst stimulation sessions that last three minutes, two minutes shorter than the SAINT protocol. It is currently FDA-approved for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Anxious Depression, but there is also the potential that iTBS will bring relief to those suffering from PTSD and addiction.
SoCal TMS
All of these treatments do have a few things in common. They are noninvasive with few side effects. Patients are not sedated and able to continue their everyday lives after their sessions. For these reasons, TMS has a promising future as an interventional treatment modality, particularly for those who do not respond well to medications alone.
Of course, TMS is not for everyone. Our team is committed to making sure each patient has the care that will work best for them. Additionally, we collaborate with primary care physicians and specialists to create a supportive “continuum of care” for every patient we serve. We believe in empowering our patients and partnering with them to develop individualized and effective treatment plans. If you want to know more about TMS Pasadena or any other interventions that we provide, please do not hesitate to contact us.