Distinguishes Lyme meningitis from aseptic meningitis in endemic areas. Low risk only if ALL three are absent.
The Rule of 7s (Lyme Meningitis) is a infectious scoring tool used in paediatric practice. Distinguishes Lyme meningitis from aseptic meningitis in endemic areas. Low risk only if ALL three are absent. It scores 3 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.
3. They are Headache for ≥ 7 days; CSF mononuclear cells ≥ 70 %; Seventh (or other) cranial-nerve palsy.
The total is interpreted as: any score - Low risk: none of the three present - low risk for Lyme meningitis (NPV ≈100%). Outpatient management pending serology may be reasonable in endemic areas; 1 risk factor or more - Not low risk: one or more present - not low risk. Send Lyme serology and manage as possible Lyme meningitis pending results.
No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.
Applies to children in Lyme-endemic regions presenting with CSF pleocytosis. Not applicable in non-endemic settings.
Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.