What is the difference between polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathy?

The term "neuropathy" means nerve disease. Polyneuropathy means that multiple nerves in the body are affected. Peripheral neuropathy is a subtype of polyneuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve disease involving branches of nerves that are farthest away from their origins in the spinal cord. For example, peripheral neuropathy most commonly affects the hands or feet. It causes burning, tingling, or numbness.