"Brain fog" obscures the clinically documented mechanism: neuroinflammation with measurable neurochemical imbalance. Griffith 7T MRI studies show enlarged hippocampal volume and elevated neurochemicals in ME/CFS, correlating with cognitive symptoms.

Informed Consent — DSCATT Cohort

Plain-language PIS requirements (NHMRC standard)

The Participant Information Sheet must be written at no higher than a Year 8 reading level (Flesch-Kincaid). It must include: what the study involves; what is experimental versus standard care; how much time participation requires; all risks including PEM risk from study visits; benefits — and crucially, the statement that participation may provide no personal health benefit; how data will be stored and for how long; the right to withdraw without consequence; and contact details for the independent complaints person.

Data Governance — Australian Requirements

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) — Australian Privacy Principles (APPs):
APP 3: Collection of health information requires consent. APP 6: Health information may only be used for the primary purpose of collection. APP 11: Active measures to protect health information from misuse, interference, and loss.

NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002:
Applies to all NSW public health organisations including Sydney LHD. Health Privacy Principles (HPPs) govern collection, use, disclosure, and retention of health information. Research exemption applies only with HREC approval.

De-identification standard:
NHMRC requires data to be de-identified using the AIHW De-identification Manual standard. For small DSCATT cohorts (n<100), quasi-identifiers (postcode, age, rare diagnoses) may re-identify participants even after name removal — seek statistical de-identification advice.

Retention:
Human research data must be retained for a minimum of 15 years after publication (NHMRC). Biological samples: indefinitely or as per biobank consent. Secure destruction after retention period.