Sick Sinus Syndrome

[Dakoda]

My husband is 46 and has been recently diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome.  Last year he had bronchitis, and during that time he would cough so hard that he would pass out.  The doctor told us he had cough syncope and there was nothing they could do for it.  He was put on an antibiotic for the bronchitis.  Just recently he was coughing so hard he fell and broke two ribs.  He always coughs before fainting.  He went a week with no fainting spells, then he started getting seizure like symtoms just before passing out.  His fists would clench up, and he moves his arms around, eyes roll back and forth, when he comes out he is very confused about what happened.  Lasts for about 10-15 seconds.  It always happens while coughing.  He has since gotten pnemonia and is on antibiotics for that.  
He was in the hospital for 3 days so they could treat the pnemonia, and also find out why he is passing out while coughing.  They told us he has Sick Sinus Syndrome.  But after doing research on it, it mentions the fainting, but nothing about the "seizure" like symtoms he is having.  They have him on Midodrine 3 times a day.  He had no episodes yesterday, but today has had 3.  
I am concerned because in the beginning he would just pass out, but they seem to be getting worse with the seizure like symtoms.
I have read the posts on "SSS", but no one else seems to have these type of symtoms and was wondering if anyone has heard of this.
I would appreciate any info you might have in regards to this, it is very frustrating, especially since our doctor took 3 days to find out what he had after consulting with others out of town.
Thank you

[sugarpea013]

please keep us posted. Again best of luck...

[Dakoda]

Thank you for your information.  I was hoping to find someone out there that is going thru the same thing as my husband and how they were treated for it.  I am going to call the doctor tomorrow and get a referral to see another doctor.  I also feel this isn't normal and would like some answers.......

[Thinline]

I've had cough syncope, I am asthmatic and get bronchities often, so cough syncope is not too surprising with me, but I must say I don't have any seizure like symptoms.  I know if I'm going to pass out from coughing, and I either lie down, but lying down makes me short of breath, or sit in a place where if I pass out I won't hurt myself.  Its horrible, but if you know its coming you can be prepared for it.  I think your husband needs to see a Neurologist as well as a cardiologist, because some of what you describe definitely sounds like seizures and not syncope.  Hope things improve quickly, I know how scary it must be for you when your husband keels over.  I'm the worst when my husband gets sick, I'm very unsypathetic, I think that it is fear that something bad will happen to him and I couldn't bear life without him.  Definitely get another opinion.

[sugarpea013]

Id' definately get a second and even third opinion. Sometimes people have seizures when their brain is deprived  of oxygen...but it shouldn't be this way. I wish ya'll the best of luck, please seek another doctors opinion.