1. A functional disturbance or pathological change in the peripheral nervous system, sometimes limited to noninflammatory lesions as opposed to those of neuritis: Typical symptoms of neuropathy are related to the type of affected nerve. If a sensory nerve is damaged, common symptoms include numbness, tingling in the area, a prickling sensation, or pain.
2. An abnormality, malfunction, or disease of the nervous system: Pain associated with neuropathy can be very intense and may be cutting, stabbing, crushing, or burning.

A wide range of disorders in which the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves, have been damaged: "Peripheral neuropathy may be referred to as peripheral neuritis, or if many nerves are involved, the terms polyneuropathy or polyneuritis may be used."

"Nerve damage can arise from a number of causes; such as, disease, physical injury, poisoning, or malnutrition."

"Peripheral neuropathy ranges from a reversible problem to a potentially fatal complication. In the best cases, a damaged nerve regenerates. Nerve cells cannot be replaced if they are killed, but they are capable of recovering from damage."