The children with cerebral palsy suffer with the consequences of the injury to the brain, presenting difficulties that affect the activities of a daily life. The family, especially the mother, should receive support from the professionals to confront the problem. The objective is to analyze the mothers' uncertainty facing their children disease, based on the fundamental principle of Mishel's Theory of Uncertainty in Illness. It is a descriptive and qualitative study, carried out in two public institutions specialized in neuromotor disorders in Fortaleza, between July and August of 2009. Twelve mothers of children with cerebral palsy were interviewed through the use of a form with social, economic, sanitary and demographic information and a semi-structured interview based on Mishel's theory Mishel, on a parent / child version. We have noticed that the mothers show uncertainty feelings, especially regarding the child's future. Such uncertainties can be reduced by the professionals of health support and orientation, thus improving the life quality of all involved.
Cerebral palsy; Maternal behavioral; Nursing theory