A neural stimulator includes an electrically non-conductive carrier and at least two electrically conductive electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the carrier. The electrodes on the opposite sides of the carrier are not electrically connected together. Instead, a signal source is connected to one of the electrodes on one side of the carrier and a return path to the signal source is connected to a corresponding electrode on the other side of the carrier. The corresponding electrode can, but need not be, directly opposite the electrode on the other side of the carrier. The electrodes can be rings, disks, other shapes or combinations thereof. Optionally, the carrier includes low-impedance shunts therethrough.