Peripheral neuropathy

March 2008     View PDF     En español

What is peripheral neuropathy?

The brain and spinal cord make up your central nervous system (CNS). This system is connected to your peripheral nervous system (PNS), which are the nerves found throughout the rest of your body. These nerves serve your limbs and organs. These systems communicate to each other through nerve cells.

Unlike the brain and spine which are covered by bone, peripheral nerves are not covered, leaving them exposed to possible injury and infection. In general, PN is caused by damage to your body’s peripheral nerves—to its cell body, its nerve fiber or its coating. This damage impairs your body’s ability to communicate with your skin, muscles and internal organs.