Distally reinforced lead and methods of making and using

An electrical stimulation lead, comprising:

• a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length, the lead body defining a central lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the lead body;
• a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body,
• a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body,
• a plurality of conductors, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals;
• and
• a tubular reinforcing member disposed in the central lumen of the lead body entirely within the distal end of the lead body, the reinforcing member extending proximal of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the reinforcing member is configured and arranged to stiffen a portion of the distal end of the lead body in which the reinforcing member resides.