Oh, the elusive N18 SEP wave, a mysterious signal from the depths of the human brain that has had scientists playing a game of neurological hide-and-seek for years. In the latest episode of “Where in the Brain is the N18 SEP?”, researchers have turned to a group of willing participants with dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain, who’ve had their brains accessorized with the latest in deep brain stimulation (DBS) fashion.

Armed with electrodes implanted in the trendiest subcortical hotspots – the globus pallidus internus (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN), and a few thalamic nuclei for good measure – our intrepid scientists embarked on a quest to pinpoint the birthplace of the N18. And what did they find in this brainy treasure hunt? Well, it turns out the N18 likes to hang out ventral to the Vim, in the oh-so-cozy prelemniscal radiation/zona incerta neighborhood. Who would’ve thought?

With the precision of a GPS tracker, they discovered that the largest N18 party happens near the Vim electrodes, with the VPL/CM-Pf area also getting an invite. Meanwhile, the STN electrodes were like the awkward neighbors not quite close enough to be part of the fun, and the GPi? Well, it could only catch the echoes of the bash from afar.

So, after years of speculation, debates, and probably a few research grants later, we can finally say with a bit more certainty where the elusive N18 SEP wave calls home. It’s a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but hey, in the world of neurology, it’s all about celebrating the little wins, right?