This version was machine-translated from German and has not been medically reviewed. The authoritative version is the German version.
Rule of 7s for Lyme Meningitis
Headache < 7 days, < 70 % mononuclear CSF cells, no cranial nerve palsy → low risk of Lyme meningitis
Calculation aid for healthcare professionals: the calculator reproduces what the sources cited assign to the inputs. Clinical assessment and every treatment decision remain with the treating physician. Inputs and results are not stored.
Frequently asked questions
Rule of 7s for Lyme Meningitis: What does this calculator compute?
Rule of 7s (Avery 2006, Cohn 2012): children with CSF pleocytosis in Lyme-endemic areas have a low risk of Lyme meningitis if headache has been present for less than 7 days, less than 70 % of CSF cells are mononuclear and there is no facial or other cranial nerve palsy (sensitivity 96 %).
Rule of 7s for Lyme Meningitis: Which sources is this calculator based on?
Avery RA, Beer S, Padula AM, et al.: Prediction of Lyme meningitis in children from a Lyme disease-endemic region: a logistic-regression model using history, physical, and laboratory findings (Pediatrics 117:e1–e7) (2006); Cohn KA, Thompson AD, Shah SS, et al.: Validation of a clinical prediction rule to distinguish Lyme meningitis from aseptic meningitis (Pediatrics 129:e46–e53) (2012)