Emanuel syndrome is a constitutional genomic disorder due to the presence of a supernumerary derivative 22 chromosome and characterized by severe intellectual disability, characteristic facial dysmorphism (micrognathia, hooded eyelids, upslanting downslanting parebral fissures, deep set eyes, low hanging columnella and long philtrum), congenital heart defects and kidney abnormalities.

A congenital brain malformation typically characterized by incomplete formation of the cerebellar vermis, dilation of the fourth ventricle, and enlargement of the posterior fossa. In layman's terms, Dandy Walker malformation is a cyst in the cerebellum (typically symmetrical) that is involved with the fourth ventricle. This may interfere with the ability to drain cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, resulting in hydrocephalus. Dandy Walker cysts are formed during early embryonic development, while the brain forms. The cyst in the cerebellum typically has several blood vessels running through it connecting to the brain, thereby prohibiting surgical removal.