RESUMO
CONTEXT: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a multifaceted complication characterized by nerve damage due to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and dysregulated metabolic processes. Early PN manifests as sensory changes that develop progressively in a "stocking and glove" pattern. METHODS AND MECHANISMS: A thorough review of literature has been done to find the molecular pathology, clinical trials that have been conducted to screen the effects of different drugs, current treatments and novel approaches used in PN therapy. Diabetic neuropathy occurs due to altered protein kinase C activity, elevated polyol pathway activity in neurons, and Schwann cells-induced hyperglycemia. Other causes involve chemotherapy exposure, autoimmune ailments, and chronic ethanol intake. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic treatments for neuropathic pain include use of tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and acetyl-L-carnitine. Patients will have new hope if clinicians focus on novel therapies including gene therapy, neuromodulation techniques, and cannabidiol as an alternative to traditional medications, as management is still not ideal.