The invention provides an implantable trial neurostimulator. The implantable trial neurostimulator may be equipped with limited, short-term battery resources. The limited battery resources are designed to last for a finite period of time, thereby preventing a patient or physician from prolonging the trial neurostimulation period. For example, the implantable trial neurostimulator may be designed to stop functioning after a number of days or weeks, upon exhaustion of the battery resources. Alternatively, the implantable trial neurostimulator may be disabled upon expiration of a timer. The trial neurostimulator may be temporarily implanted in a subdural pocket in which the chronic stimulator is ultimately implanted. In this manner, the trial neurostimulator can be coupled to a chronic lead and avoid any percutaneous connections, reducing the risk of infection and affording greater convenience and comfort to patients.