NEUROPATHY

Peripheral nerves refer to all the nerves in the body outside the brain and spinal cord. Strictly speaking, neuropathy is any disease process affecting peripheral nerves, which includes pathology affecting only a single nerve (mononeuropathy), or the nerve roots (radiculopathy), or the nerve plexuses (plexopathy). However, the term ‘peripheral neuropathy’ is usually used for what is technically called polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy is a generalized or widespread process affecting the peripheral nerves, often in a symmetrical fashion and causing symptoms that are more pronounced.