The effect of Downton's false statement to Mrs Wilkinson was a violent shock to her nervous system, causing her to vomit and for her hair to turn white and other more serious and permanent physical consequences which at one point threatened her reason, and entailing weeks of suffering and incapacity to her as well as expense to her husband for medical treatment.
The impact of Downton's false declaration to Mrs Wilkinson was a severe shock to her nervous system, leading to vomiting and hair turning white. It also caused more serious and permanent physical effects that at one point jeopardized her sanity, resulting in weeks of suffering and incapacity for her as well as financial strain on her husband for medical treatment.