A method for implanting one or more implantable medical leads of an electrical stimulation system proximate to an occipital region of a patient comprises utilizing a needle to define an insertion path through tissue of the patient to a target tissue site. The insertion path may be dilated to a size large enough to receive an implantable medical lead. An electrical test signal may be delivered to the patient via the needle, a guide wire or a dilator assembly during the implantation procedure in order to assess the efficacy of stimulation prior to implantation of the lead and/or to establish the location of the needle, guide wire and/or dilator assembly within the patient.