What does "neuropathy" mean in medical terminology?

Neuropathy means disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, from neuro meaning nerve and pathy meaning disease. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, burning pain, and weakness, usually starting in the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy is the most frequent cause, resulting from prolonged high blood sugar damaging nerve fibers. Other causes include alcoholism, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and infections.