Peripheral neuropathy describes a neurological condition characterized by damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system includes the network of nerves that transmit information from the brain to the rest of the body.

Your nervous system consists of two main divisions. Your central nervous system includes your brain and spinal cord, while your peripheral nervous system is comprised of long, filamentous nerve bundles outside of your skull and spinal column.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in the arms and legs are damaged due to injury or disease. The condition causes a wide range of symptoms such as numbness or tingling, weak muscles, loss of sensations and insensitivity to temperature.

An intricate network of nerves in the arms and fingers carry signals between the brain and skin, enabling the perception of an array of sensations. The nerves of the arms, hands and fingers arise from the spinal cord in the neck.