--is primarily one of symptom presentation and spread.

Length dependent neuropathy, which is a more common presentation, occurs when the tips of longer nerves in the body--those that lead to the feet/toes and/or the fingertips--are affected by neuropathic processes first. Many circulatory/ischemic neuropathies present this way, due to the fact that those nerves farthest from the center of circulation are the first to suffer deleterious consequences of an inability to get oxygen/nutrients in and waste products out.

Non-length dependent neuropathies--often associated with infection, toxicity, autoimmunities, and some other causes--are more global, and do not necessarily cause symptoms in the extremities first--one can experience these anywhere--toes, legs, hands, arms, trunk, face, and so on.