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."