Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve dysfunction that can affect the nerves outside of the spinal column. Peripheral neuropathy is a very general term for nerve damage or injury with a host of symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by several conditions including diabetes, trauma, vitamin deficiency, alcohol use, shingles (herpes zoster), Lyme disease, and hepatitis C.  It often manifests with a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and location.