peripheral neuropathy

noun

: a disease or degenerative state of the peripheral nerves in which motor, sensory, or vasomotor nerve fibers may be affected and which is marked by muscle weakness and atrophy, pain, and numbness

Examples of peripheral neuropathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nerve conduction studies can be used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy, which may occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2025

The specific cause of peripheral neuropathy is sometimes unknown; this is referred to as idiopathic neuropathy. —Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Although there are many causes of neuropathic pain, it’s commonly associated with specific conditions, including diabetes (peripheral neuropathy), chemotherapy, and shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). —New Atlas, 22 Apr. 2025

Diabetics are at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, which means that sensation in their feet is reduced and places them at risk of foot ulcers that can become infected and, in the worst-case scenario, require amputation. —New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peripheral neuropathy

• cardiomyopathy
• coagulopathy
• encephalopathy
• homoeopathy
• polyneuropathy
• radiculopathy
• enteropathy
• myelopathy
• retinopathy
• myopathy
• psychopathy

Medical Definition

peripheral neuropathy

noun

: a disease or degenerative state (as polyneuropathy) of the peripheral nerves in which motor, sensory, or vasomotor nerve fibers may be affected and which is marked by muscle weakness and atrophy, pain, and numbness