Lifesaver is right saying
Idiopathic means the doctors don't know what causes the symptoms......idiopathic means they are idiots and can't figure it out.....

The definition of peripheral nerves is that they are not central nerves, not part of the central nervous system - therefore on the periphery.
Any nerve on the periphery is peripheral, whether large or small, axonal or myelinated, sensory, or other.
Peripheral Neuropathy is just that.
Some sort of damage to the peripheral nerves - anywhere on the body or in the body.
If the cause cannot be found, it is labeled idiopathic.
Treatment & medication for idiopathic PN, is 95% the same
as if a cause is found.
The 5% difference can cause some minor differences in treatment or medication.
A long, expensive search for a cause, usually only confirms that the treatment you already have been getting - is the proper treatment for your PN.
This is when all other testing has proven that they cannot find a cause with the standard testing procedures done by a specialist- a neuro who specializes in neuropathies. Not just any neuro.
The most extensive site for tests for PN can be found at
www.lizajane.org
compiled by experts & PN sufferers, specifically for us.