The peripheral nerves make up an intricate network that connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and internal organs. Peripheral nerves come out of the spinal cord and are arranged along lines in the body called dermatomes.

Peripheral Neuropathy means
Peripheral: Beyond (in this case, beyond the brain and the spinal cord.)
Neuro-: Related to the nerves
-pathy: Disease

Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves don’t work properly because they’re damaged or destroyed. This disrupts the nerves’ normal functioning. They might send signals of pain when there’s nothing causing pain, or they might not send a pain signal even if something is harming you.

Neuropathy can affect one nerve – Mononeuropathy or nerve type, a combination of nerves in a limited area multifocal neuropathy or many peripheral nerves throughout the body (polyneuropathy).