A method of stimulating a neural cell may comprise disposing a neural stimulation probe substantially adjacent to the neural cell, and applying a signal to the neural stimulation probe. The neural stimulation probe may comprise a micro-coil, an input lead, an output lead, and a magnetic core. The micro-coil may comprise N of windings having a first end and a second end, with the input lead electrically coupled to the first end and the output lead coupled to the second end. The micro-coil may have a width that is less than or equal to 40 μm, a thickness of less than or equal to 20 μm, and a length of less than or equal to 80 μm. The magnetic core may be disposed such that the N windings are wrapped about the magnetic core. The micro-coil may be configured and arranged to generate a E-field gradient in the direction of the neural cell.
