A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distalend of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximalend of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead tocouple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumendefined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towardsthe distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximalend of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged tofacilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector.