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

Numbness Nerve damage in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy), can happen over time in people with high blood sugar. —Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025

But first, in 2014, the SINAPSE lab conducted a clinical trial with National University Hospital to see if cooling the limbs would help patients with peripheral neuropathy. —Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2025

Trial data has already shown the potential of cryotherapy and compression as an effective peripheral neuropathy treatment; the Paxman device aims to deliver that cooling and compression in a consistent and measurable manner. —Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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

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