OBJECTIVE The physiological properties of nerve and muscle are influenced by pathological changes and the aim of this review is to discuss recent contributions of electrophysiological studies to the understanding and diagnosis of selected peripheral nerve disorders. The relationships between pathology and physiology emphasize the close interdependence between electrophysiological studies, clinical deficits and other laboratory information. Attention should be paid to the strengths and limitations of electrophysiological methods, considering their impact on diagnosis and treatment of patients. RESULTS Several studies have shown particular pathophysiological profiles associated with different antibody subtypes in autoimmune peripheral neuropathies and this association further supports the suggestion of pathological specificity in both acute and chronic neuropathy. The sensitivity and specificity of physiological profiles therefore become increasingly important since some of these neuropathies are accessible to treatment. On the other hand, the pathophysiological and clinical profiles may be heterogeneous in patients with some disorders. This could be related to a more indistinct division between different types of pathology with increased understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms. Moreover, new insights into disturbed axonal function have stimulated attempts to develop methods to explore normal and diseased human nerve function. CONCLUSIONS The exploration of axonal membrane and ion-channel function has become accessible using studies of excitability and are of potential value where conventional studies only provide nonspecific evidence of the number of fibers and the integrity of myelin. These studies will presumably become increasingly important in the years ahead considering the lack of understanding of the functional disturbances in axonal neuropathies.