Atkinson, who can also play in midfield, has made 20 appearances for the Magpies since signing in July 2015, following his release by West Brom.
The 22-year-old has yet to play in a League Two game this season, but has featured twice in cup competitions.
He could make his debut for the Heed when they travel to face struggling Guiseley on 25 October.
Meanwhile, on-loan Carlisle midfielder Russell Penn, 30, has extended his loan stay with Gateshead until 26 December.

BBC Radio Solent reports Eisner has already informed manager Paul Cook of his interest in creating the role.
The former Walt Disney chief executive has made an offer to buy 100% of the League Two champions.
Cook is believed to want a firm input over any potential candidate to ensure minimal disruption to his set-up.
Portsmouth won the League Two title on goal difference from Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season.
Cook won the title for a second time in his managerial career after leading Chesterfield to promotion in 2014.
Eisner's offer of £5.67m for Portsmouth plus an additional investment of £10m in equity will be voted on by club shareholders and members of the Pompey Supporters' Trust (PST), who currently own 48%.

Police said the 41-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, from Virginia Water in Surrey, was arrested in Eton, Berkshire, on Saturday.
Ms Gallacher, who works for Sky Sports, has been bailed to appear at Slough Magistrates' Court on 4 September.
Thames Valley Police said she was charged with one count of "driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level was above the legal limit".

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital following the incident just before 06:00 BST on Saturday. He is reported to be in a stable condition.
Sussex Police said the incident in Preston Street appeared to be linked to the collapse of a section of railing surrounding the balcony.
The one-way street had to be closed to allow for investigations.

Jason Van Dyke was heckled as he arrived at court where he denied six counts of first-degree murder.
Video released earlier this year showing the shooting of Laquan McDonald sparked an outcry and the resignation of the chief of police.
A federal investigation into the city's police is under way amid a national debate about the police use of force.
The inquiry will explore whether race plays a part in the police use of force and whether officers are properly held accountable.
McDonald, who was 17 at the time, was armed with a knife when he was stopped by police.
But the dashcam footage showed him moving away from police when Mr Van Dyke opened fire.
Step-by-step guide to what happened
How a whistleblower brought down the police chief
Days of protests followed the release of the video, which President Barack Obama said was "disturbing".
There were calls for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to resign and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy quit his job.
On Saturday, Mr Emanuel said the city "deserved answers" after a police officer accidentally shot and killed a 55-year-old woman when responding to a domestic disturbance.
According to the Washington Post, Bettie Jones was also known as a community activist who spoke out on issues such as police brutality.
National League side Gateshead have signed versatile Notts County defender Wes Atkinson on a one-month loan deal.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Portsmouth are considering appointing a director of football next season, should Michael Eisner's proposed takeover of the club go through.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Television presenter Kirsty Gallacher has been charged with drink-driving.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
A 20-year old man is in hospital with serious injuries after he fell from a first floor balcony in Brighton.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
A white Chicago police officer has denied murder over the death of a black teenager who was shot 16 times in 2014.