To simplify the understanding of the different causes of neuropathy we could divide the different causes into two classes. One category causes damage to all of the nerves of the body, this is called a polyneuropathy. The second class affects one or more nerves at a time which is called a mononeuropathy.
In this type generally one nerve is affected. The different causes of mononeuropathy include local compression, direct trauma, penetrating injuries, contusions, fracture or dislocation, pressure from a tumor, local hemorrhage, and exposure to cold, or radiation. The symptoms occur in the regions that are controlled by that nerve. For example if a nerve in the hand is injured then the hand could develop numbness, tingling, and burning. The fingers and the hand could get weak and possibly paralyzed. A classic example of this category is called carpal tunnel syndrome. (Also see Hand Tingling)
It is caused by damage of on one of the nerves called the median nerve. The median nerve is damaged by the pressure that is placed on it as it travels across the wrist from repetitive motion of the hands. The patient often complains of numbness and tingling in the hands especially at night time. In this category of neuropathy other nerves of the body could also develop this problem.