Affect, effect

I have enclosed portions of a chapter from Baker's Textbook of Clinical Neurology, which I believe you will find of significance in discussing the origins of cerebral palsy and its affect on motor function and gait.

In this case I'd use 'effect', (I find this tricky too!)

ef·fect n.

Something brought about by a cause or agent; a result.
The power to produce an outcome or achieve a result; influence: The drug had an immediate effect on the pain. The government's action had no effect on the trade imbalance.
A scientific law, hypothesis, or phenomenon: the photovoltaic effect.
Advantage; avail: used her words to great effect in influencing the jury.
The condition of being in full force or execution: a new regulation that goes into effect tomorrow.

Something that produces a specific impression or supports a general design or intention: The lighting effects emphasized the harsh atmosphere of the drama.
A particular impression: large windows that gave an effect of spaciousness.
Production of a desired impression: spent lavishly on dinner just for effect.
The basic or general meaning; import: He said he was greatly worried, or words to that effect.
effects Movable belongings; goods.

af·fect1 tr.v.

To have an influence on or effect a change in: Inflation affects the buying power of the dollar.
To act on the emotions of; touch or move.
To attack or infect, as a disease: Rheumatic fever can affect the heart.

Found this:

Affect is a verb. Look at the a in affect and think "action." The movie affected her greatly.

Effect is a verb or a noun. It's most commonly used as a noun. The movie had an effect on her.

As a verb, effect means to bring something about, especially a change. Encarta World English Dictionary offers this example: They effected their escape through a rear window.

But there's no difference between saying that and saying "They escaped through a rear window," so you should always think twice before using effect as a verb.

Kitkattail - You're a tough one, valid point! Good to have you with us..

I think your sentences, in effect, have a great effect on this forum? Would this sentence be correct?