After reading over your additional information, I'm forced to conclude that your
condition really can't be what we call "epilepsy" and the symptoms don't fall
under any of the various forms of epilepsy. (You've probably already seen
www.epilepsy.com). That's not to say that your condition might not in the final
analysis be treated with some of the same drugs that are used to treat epilepsy
as there is considerable overlap in drug treatment. Do remember though that I am
not a doctor and could easily be overlooking something.

Many of us with epilepsy are photo-sensitive in that flashing lights can trigger
a seizure, but that doesn't quite seem the same.

I had wondered if there would be any similarity even though there were a lot of
differences.

So the experience 8 years ago was the first ever that was anything remotely like
it? Had you been treated for your anxiety with other prescription drugs in years
prior to the use of Buspar?

I'll offer the following, very definitely NOT as an attempted diagnosis, but as
simply food for thought:

Dystonia (literally, "abnormal muscle tone") is a generic term used to describe
a neurological movement disorder involving involuntary, sustained muscle
contractions. Dystonia may affect muscles throughout the body (generalised), in
certain parts of the body (segmental), or may be confined to particular muscles
or muscle groups (focal).

BuSpar® (buspirone hydrochloride)
PRECAUTIONS

Possible concerns related to buspirone's binding to dopamine receptors:  Because
buspirone can bind to central dopamine receptors, a question has been raised
about its potential to cause  acute and chronic  changes in dopamine-mediated
neurological function  (e.g., dystonia, pseudo-parkinsonism, akathisia, and
tardive  dyskinesia). Clinical experience  in controlled trials has failed to
identify any significant  neuroleptic-like activity; however, a syndrome of
restlessness, appearing shortly after initiation of treatment, has been reported
in some small fraction of buspirone-treated patients. The syndrome may be
explained in several ways. For example, buspirone may increase central
noradrenergic activity; alternatively, the effect may be attributable to
dopaminergic effects (i.e., represent akathisia). Obviously, the question cannot
be totally resolved at this point  in time. Generally, long-term sequelae of any
drug's use can be identified only after several years of marketing.

Can I assume from the above that you've been tested for other mineral
deficiencies also including iron and calcium?

I'll say this, even though my own GP and neurologist display remarkable and
disappointing ignorance when I relate some of my symptoms to them, and that's
that you shouldn't be stuck with doctors simply shrugging their shoulders. Your
GP should have referred you to an appropriate specialist. There are standard
tests for epilepsy, if that is to be definitely ruled out, which include an
overnight stay in the hospital while wired up to EEG equipment. CT-scans and
MRI's are performed to determine if there is any physical brain damage,
malformations, or tumours. It would be interesting to know what those would
show, but cost control at your HMO might be holding them back. Maybe you need to
push them if you haven't already done so.