What condition is associated with Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) lesions?

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Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) lesions are characterized by damage to the motor pathways that originate in the brain and travel down to the spinal cord. These lesions lead to specific clinical features, including weakness, increased muscle tone (spasticity), and exaggerated reflexes. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a condition that can result in UMN lesions, particularly when the spinal cord is damaged at a level above the lower motor neurons. Depending on the level of injury, this can disrupt the motor signals from the brain and manifest as UMN signs in muscles innervated below the site of injury.

In contrast, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Neuropathy are primarily associated with Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) damage, which leads to weakness, reduced muscle tone, and diminished or absent reflexes due to peripheral nerve involvement. Poliomyelitis also causes LMN signs due to damage to the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord. Therefore, among the given options, Spinal Cord Injury is the condition associated with Upper Motor Neuron lesions due to its impact on the central nervous system pathways.

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