what is the difference between peripheral neuropathy and poly neuropathy?

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

Polyneuropathy is the breakdown of peripheral nerves that spreads toward the center of the body. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that connect your spinal cord to the rest of your body. Both these terms are often used at the same time and generally mean the same thing.

Polyneuropathy means multiple nerve damage is causing peripheral neuropathy, as opposed to just one nerve, which would be called mononeuropathy. So both of these cause (mono and poly - meaning one or more than one) cause peripheral neuropathy. They can both be equally painful but poly may mean you have pain in more than one place which in itself can be harder to live with.
Your polyneuropathy (multiple nerves being damaged) is generally more common.
Best,
Susan