<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged . This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems . Specific symptoms can include double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, or trouble with coordination . MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent neurological problems often remain, especially as the disease advances . </P> <P> While the cause is not clear, the underlying mechanism is thought to be either destruction by the immune system or failure of the myelin - producing cells . Proposed causes for this include genetics and environmental factors such as being triggered by a viral infection . MS is usually diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the results of supporting medical tests . </P> <P> There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis . Treatments attempt to improve function after an attack and prevent new attacks . Medications used to treat MS, while modestly effective, can have side effects and be poorly tolerated . Physical therapy can help with people's ability to function . Many people pursue alternative treatments, despite a lack of evidence . The long - term outcome is difficult to predict, with good outcomes more often seen in women, those who develop the disease early in life, those with a relapsing course, and those who initially experienced few attacks . Life expectancy is on average 5 to 10 years lower than that of an unaffected population . </P>

The disease multiple sclerosis seems to be due to a breakdown of
find me the text answering this question