Final answer:
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by causing inflammation, demyelination, and neuron degeneration. It can result in a range of symptoms and there is currently no cure. Promising treatments include medications that modulate the immune response and physical therapy to improve strength and mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering around nerve fibers. This causes inflammation, demyelination, and neuron degeneration, leading to disruptions in neuronal signaling. MS symptoms can vary widely and may include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, coordination and balance difficulties, numbness or tingling, and cognitive and memory problems. There is currently no known cure for MS, but two promising treatments include medications that can help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, as well as physical therapy to improve strength, coordination, and mobility.