About 20 percent of the population experiences the intense pain of migraines. Ohio University sophomore Julie Woodburn is among those sufferers.

"It feels like a vice clamped around my head," she said. "It's the most excruciating pain."

Although most migraine sufferers experience an "aura" before the migraine, including seeing lights, dark spots or other vision changes, Woodburn's pain starts when she gets over-heated.

"I don't cool down correctly," she said.

Woodburn said migraines are a major factor in her life, limiting her activities to those that do not require too much heat.

Like Woodburn, other Americans have to contend with migraines.

According to a recent study conducted by Dr. Walter Stewart of Innovative Medical Research, North Americans have the highest number of migraines.

Geographic differences worldwide might cause this, said Linda McGillicuddy, the executive director of the American Council for Headache Education.

Environmental risk factors and race-related genetic links might also contribute to the number of migraines, she said.

Ken Holroyd, an OU psychology professor, said this variance in countries might be because of diet or ethnic composition.

But Holroyd said the exact cause of migraines is unknown.

"Migraines are associated with a change in the brain and blood vessels," he said.

Migraines can lead to light sensitivity, vomiting and changes in appetite and sometimes can be caused by trigger foods, such as red wine or chocolate, he said.

Current treatment methods include pain relieving medications that stop the headaches, preventative medications and behavioral treatments, he said.

Although these treatments seem effective, Holroyd said alternative treatments should be researched.

The alternative treatments that have promise include acupuncture and certain herbs, such as Feverview, he said.

"There is no good scientific evidence that these treatments will work, but there is some evidence that they might," he said. "Acupuncture and herbs are worth pursuing."

Janice Haynes, a massage therapist at Healthy Step Wellness Center, 540 W. Union St., said massage also is an option for migraine treatment.

"Some migraines are brought on by stress," she said. "A massage can help with that."

Woodburn has not tried any of the alternative treatments, but said she would try anything to alleviate the pain.

Woodburn also said those who do not have migraines have a hard time understanding what she goes through.