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The subarachnoid space is the area between two of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord: the pia mater and the arachnoid mater. This space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts as a cushion to protect the central nervous system from injury. The subarachnoid space also contains blood vessels. Bleeding into this space, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, most commonly results from head trauma but can also occur spontaneously due to ruptured aneurysms or other vascular issues.1234

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